Report: Nearly 1.2 million take in the fair

September 28, 2009 1:01 pm

Attendance at the Sept. 11-27 Puyallup Fair totaled 1,183,035, the 19th highest since the fair started in 1900. This year’s fair greeted 19,066 more guests than last year.

The opening day tradition includes the annual Puyallup Fair Western Rodeo Parade and Cattle Drive, as well as free gate admission until noon. This year marked the biggest opening Friday in history, totaling 86,332 guests ready to enjoy warm scones and the giant roller coaster.

This year’s theme, “The BIG Fantastic” featured the Al’s Brain exhibit, with 10,000-plus people submitted entries in hopes of being one of the 150 lucky winners to meet “Weird Al” Yankovic.

There were sold-out concerts for Jason Aldean, James Taylor, and Heart; plus three days of meet and greets with Captain Johnathan and Scott Hillstrand of Discovery Channel’s hit series, The Deadliest Catch. With a last-minute concert cancellation, a monster truck show also was added.

In addition to the Charley Harper art exhibition, there were new food options ranging from alligator to chocolate covered bacon.

Popular favorites also were back and in place, including rodeo’s Justin Boots Playoff of the Wrangler Million Dollar Tour, Mutton Bustin’, Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity building a house at the Fair, and Puyallup Fair BackPaks and SillyVille Paks, along with 94.1 FM KMPS, Jack 96.5 FM and KZOK 102.5 FM paks.

The Puyallup Fair Concert Series sponsored by Columbia Bank offered a wide range of top-caliber talent, from Crosby, Stills and Nash to Third Day/TobyMac. The annual Fiestas Patrias Independence Day celebration on Sept. 20 packed the grandstand featuring free entertainment from artists on LaGranD 99.3 FM and Ke Buena 1210 AM.

Tradition played a role at the Puyallup Fair, including animals, agriculture, exhibits, youth activities, Hobby Hall, home arts, food and rides, and family fun. Free gate entrance for the military community on Military Mondays was supported by partner 570 AM KVI. Grange displays and animal shows are Fair favorites, as well as the State 4-H Fair and FFA Fair. ToonzVille was back, with a host of Nickelodeon characters.

The Puyallup Fair is a Pacific Northwest tradition, and one of the top ten attended fairs in North America. The 2010 Spring Fair in Puyallup is slated for April 15-18, and the Puyallup Fair is Sept. 10-26.

For further information, visit www.thefair.co.