The Puyallup Fair, the eighth largest fair in the world, opens today and runs through Sept. 26. The 17-day fair is a tradition in the Pacific Northwest, and hosts, on average, more than 1.1 million guests each year.
The fair offers a blend of old and new.
Old-time favorites include grange displays, home arts cooking contests and quilts, the International Photo Exhibition that draws entries from all corners of the globe, Hobby Hall, floral designs, and rides. On the food front, there are Fair scones, Krusty Pups, onion burgers, carmel apples, grilled corn and more. For the adventure seeker, there are frog legs and fried pickles. Bigfoot Java has been added this year, offering a range of popular specialty beverages.
Entertainment is always a favorite. The Columbia Band Concert Series offers a wide variety of headliners, including Willie Nelson, John Legend, Adam Lambert, Heart, and Kid Rock. Free entertainment stages and strolling entertainers feature something for all ages. Tribute bands will offer the sounds of Neil Diamond, the Fab Four and Elvis, and the Puyallup Fair Music Series offers entertainment from artists around the state midweek. A new free entertainment feature is De’Anna the HypnoChick Hypnotist.
The “Best of the Fair” Awards is held the first three days, and is presented by Emerald Queen Casino. Guests can vote for the best burger, exhibit, BBQ, and entertainment, and have the chance to win prizes and concert tickets.
A brand new high dive show, Sinbad “In Search of the Golden Pineapple” is a blend of comedy and amazing high dive stunts into 38,000 gallons of water. Several shows are offered each day of the Puyallup Fair. Another new feature is the IGX Video Game Exhibit, with 34 game ports, and platforms including Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360. Tournaments are held Monday-Thursday, and the last Sunday.
Fiestas Patrias at the fair is the largest celebration of its kind in the state. This year, the event on Sunday, Sept. 19 celebrates the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s independence. Popular international entertainment, mariachi bands, authentic food, dance and vendors will draw all ages, presented by La Gran D 99.3 FM and Homero 1210 AM.
Boy Scout Adventure Base 100 is a 100th birthday celebration of the Boy Scout tradition. They will offer a rope course and zip line, other activities and a scouting museum Sept. 17-19.
The Puyallup Fair is hosting the 2010 Justin Boots Rodeo Playoffs of the Wrangler Million Dollar Tour, Sept. 10-12. Watch the top 24 cowboys and cowgirls in each event as they compete for a purse of over $540,000, the largest purse in the Pacific Northwest. Entertainer Bret Michaels will perform following the opening night rodeo, and patriotic group 4TROOPS will perform following Saturday’s 1 p.m. rodeo.
Following Saturday night’s rodeo is Dancin’ in the Dirt, featuring Rocky Mountain Oyster Feed and dancing to the country swing sounds of Asleep at the Wheel. On the last day of the rodeo, which is Finals, dare to wear pink with the cowboys and girls as they raise awareness for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in the Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign.
There are hundreds of free things to enjoy at the Puyallup Fair, including:
• Debut of Traveling Farm – The new state-of-the-art 48’ trailer was created by the Puyallup Fair Foundation. This classroom on wheels will travel to schools around the area teaching children about agriculture and the food we eat. Tour this interactive class in SillyVille.
• Military Mondays – Sept. 13 and 20. Free gate admission to all active, reserve, retired military and dependents, and disabled vets when they show military ID. Presented by Chevrolet and 570 KVI.
• ToonzVille celebrity characters, such as SpongeBob, Dora the Explorer, Diego. Dates vary.
• Senior Tuesdays and Red Hatter Fun – Sept. 14 and 21. Coupons, treats, games and fun.
• Leo E Osborne Art Exhibit – Daily. See the works of this internationally recognized artist from Guemes Islands. See the “wild” side of life and his view on the world and nature.
• 106.1 Kiss FM presents 2k10 YouthFest on Sunday, Sept. 26, featuring youth-oriented activities all day, including the College Fair, talent showcase, and 7 p.m. show on the Coca-Cola Stage featuring Mathias Anderle, a Puyallup native and new music sensation; band Roman Holiday; and American Idol’s Sanjaya.
Returning again this year are the Puyallup Backpaks full of goodies, treats and $60-plus in savings. The KidsPaks are $10 each and FairPaks are $15 each. A special price has been developed when two radio station paks are purchased: $15 each or two for $25. They include KMPS 94.1 FM, KZOK 102.5 FM, and Jack 96.5 FM paks. Quantities are limited.
Value Packs are sold at Fred Meyer through Sept. 10, with a 42% savings. The $33.95 pack includes two gate tickets, any six Funtastic rides (excludes Extreme Scream), 10 food bucks, and a 2-for-1 coupon for the 1 p.m. rodeo on Sept. 11.
Gates open at 10 a.m. daily, Sept. 10-26. Season passes are sold at Walgreens for $29.50 for adults and $19.50 for students (ages 6-18 years). Advance gate admission tickets are available at Columbia Bank, Safeway stores in Western Washington, and Schuck’s O’Reilly’s Auto Parts:
• Adults: $11 (at gate); $9 (advance)
• Students (6-18): $9 and $7.50
• Seniors (62 and older) $9 and $7.50
• Kids (5 & under), always free
The Early Glee Wallet Giveaway will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11 and 12 when gates open at 10 a.m. The first paid guests will receive free wallets stuffed with cash (up to $100), a Lottery and scone ticket, $5 Famous Dave’s Pig bucks, and $20 gift cards to Schuck’s O’Reilly’s Auto Parts. Limited quantities, while supplies last.
Ride deals featured this year include:
• Monday & Tuesday $2 Madness – Sept. 13 and 14 only. Funtastic Midway or SillyVille rides (excludes Extreme Scream), games and select food are only $2 each.
• Extreme Deal – Purchase one full price Extreme Scream for $7.50 instead of $10.50, Sept. 15-16, 20-23.
• Comcast Dizzy Pass Ride Bracelet – Get unlimited rides on Midway and SillyVille rides for just $25 on all rides (except Extreme Scream), and $3 worth of game coupons. The Dizzy Pass is valid Wed-Thu (Sept. 15-16) and Mon-Thu (Sept. 20-23).
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For more information, concert lineup and schedules, visit www.thefair.org.
