The Washington State Fair (Puyallup Fair) is the largest event held each year in the state of Washington. For us living in the Puyallup Valley, we get to enjoy it every year. The Fair repeatedly ranks as one of the top 10 fairs in the United States. The Washington State Fair actually hosts 2 annual events: the 17 day large Fair event in September and the Spring Fair (smaller version) held 4 days every April. Not only is the Western Washington Fair one of the biggest and best in the Nation, but during the off year, they offer many events that draw visitors from others areas of the state and region.
In the beginning, over 10 decades ago, the Puyallup community joined in order to start a “Valley Fair”. The Fair offered a place to show animals of all types and enjoy some entertainment. It was also a place to show crops which thrived in the valley’s rich land. The land in Puyallup has always been very ripe for growing. The Fair attendance continued to increase every year. As of right now, the Fair attendance reaches over 1 million visitors and sits on 160 acres of fun. Their combined value (land and buildings) is estimated to be $54 million dollars. Visitors of the fair come from all over the World.
We’ve put together a guide for the Washington State Fair. It’s very long and detailed. Use the table of contents below to help you navigate the article.
Table of Contents:
• Fair History
• Camp Harmony
• Puyallup Fair name change
• Washington State Fair Rodeo
• Spring Fair
• Directions and parking
• Hotels by the Fair
• Ticket prices and discounts
• Weddings at the Fair
• Concerts
• Rides at the Fair
• Food at the Fair
• Conclusion
The very first Puyallup Valley Fair was in the late 1900’s. The Fair was held from October 5 to October 8 on a vacant lot just west of Pioneer Park. It was started by L.A. (Lewis Alden ) Chamberlain. In 3 days, over 6,000 people visited the fair, netting a profit of $5.17. He was so excited by its success that he decided to make the Fair an annual event. The Admission price was $1 for your entire family, for all three days! At this time, It was focused mostly on agricultural and livestock. Chamberlain was the Fairs biggest promoter. The Valley Fair Association was formed in 1900.
The fair was about a 1/2 block area, surrounded by a 10-foot fence. An opening in the fence served as the main gate. It moved to its current location in 1901 and occupied 10-acres.
The fair was built up around the race track as judges prepared to call the race by ringing a school bell in the tower. Families came in long skirts, dress coats and fancy hats and brought food baskets to enjoy picnics on the lawn. The original grandstand was built in 1903.
Tacoma merchants even closed stores on Tacoma Day and much of the city came to the Puyallup Fair. In later years, the competition for attendance on Seattle and Tacoma Day’s became one of the fairs greatest advertising promotions.
Crowds would often gather to watch a bevy of beautiful bovines (Ox) parade through the grandstand at the 1908 Western Washington Fair. Horse racing in the old stadium was once the Fair’s primary draw of attendance. Log rolling was one of the grandstands biggest shows in 1910.
Scones made their debut in 1915 and even contained raisins. However, customers unfamiliar with this new food felt the raisins looked too much like dead flies. Raisins were later added only if requested. Other extremely popular attractions included trapeze performers, vaudeville acts, a full three-ring circus, and a hot air balloon that was a long time fair favorite. Crowds gasped and held their breath as aerial and high wire acts were performed on portable equipment. The 1912 Attendance was approximately 17,000.
And, back in the “concession” areas, by the early 1920’s, the Myers and Sales families had already begun creating their famous onion burgers. As you know the famous onion burgers continue to be a success even for the fair today. In 1920, a hamburger cost 10-cents.
One of the events at the Fair was Auto Polo. Cars (era 1910) would run into a rubber ball, hoping to push (bounce) their way to victory. Horse racing led the Fair activities from the very beginning. The fastest horses came from the Puyallup and Klickitat Indian tribes. Grabbing the attention of fairgoers was of prime importance in the 1920’s and was the reason for many wild and crazy stunts, like training bulls to jump cars. It is something we certainly wouldn’t do today.
Also extremely popular was the baby contests. Prizes were awarded for every imaginable category of baby, from reddest hair, to heaviest, most teeth, and of course, the prettiest baby.
Attendance in 1925 was 175,000.
In 1932, Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoke in the grandstands. Tickets were distributed to the unemployed who were feeling the effects of the Great Depression.
The fairway was added in 1932 and the included attractions were a merry-go-round, roller coaster, Ferris wheels, and numerous other rides. The early photo of the “fairway,” was taken in the 1950’s.
The Puyallup fair was among the first carnivals or fairs in the country to have a “Kiddie Land” (rides specifically for children).
Attendance in the late 1930’s reached 400,000
The Puyallup Fair’s showpiece carousel, build in 1911, still offers magic to children of all ages. Originally steam powered and featuring a Wurlitzer band organ, it has been converted to electricity and uses tapes of the original music, though the original 44 prancing horses and two carriages are still in place.
At the entrance, grandstand seats were sold along with admission in the ’30’s, with a dozen or so windows to accommodate crowds. Reserved seats were 79 cents, tax included.
The Fair was halted from 1942-1945 due to World War II. The fairgrounds were hastily turned into a relocation center for Japanese-Americans becoming a temporary shelter for over 8,000 people. It was known as Camp Harmony. In May 1942, barbed wire fences surrounded the buildings and the fairway, search lights pointed towards the grandstand and guard towers were positioned where trapeze artists once cavorted. A extremely sad part of America’s history.
What a comeback! The 1946 fair was extended for nine days and nights, and they brought back the ever popular rodeo events. “People were hungry for entertainment and we provided it,” said one director. Attendance for the 1953 fair was at 346,000.
The Education building was added in 1953. The Grandstand was enlarged in 1954 to fit more customers. The sports and wildlife building was added in 1958.
By 1970, attendance was near ½ million.
“The Fair is burning.” The 1970’s opened with a jolt that changed the face of the fair enormously. The fairgrounds’ one and only major fire occurred early on Sunday morning, June 14, 1970. Flames brightened the sky over Puyallup that fateful night. Concessions and part of the grandstand were destroyed. Some contend it was set by an arsonist while others claim faulty electricity. No one has ever found out for sure. After the fire, it was Tent City! Colorful polka-dotted tents filled the grounds of the 1970 fair; replacing those building that had burned.
In 1979, the fair passed the million visitors mark.
Snake dancers or belly dancers – these performers keep their audience entranced as part of the free acts presented by the Special Events Department. In 1975, Special Events became a new area for the fair. Three stages were set up on the grounds to handle spontaneous shows, and free acts appeared right in the middle of the crowds. The free concerts, jugglers, poetry readings, western acts, and all the other performances are still a huge part of the fair’s entertainment philosophy.
“You can do it at a trot; you can do it at a gallop; you can do it real slow so your heart won’t palpitate” was created in 1976.
Magic lights and fireworks underscore the evening enchantment of Doin’ the Puyallup. Fair Rides in the 80’s became glitzier than before and were computerized.
In 1992, the Paulhamus Arena was added (25,000 square feet), the Blue Gate was redesigned, and the Showplace stage was added. Pathways were widened, and attendance reached 1.2 million visitors.
Something areas at the fair never change. You can always find these area’s at the fair each and every year. Here is where they can be found:
One of the worst events that ever happened to the fair and Puyallup was Camp Harmony. It was also known as the Puyallup Assembly Center. It was located at the Washington State Fair (Puyallup Fair) and halted all fair activities while it was established (1942). The facility was setup to hold Japanese Americans during WWII. The population of Puyallup during this time was 7,500. The Camp nearly doubled Puyallup’s population as locals of Japanese descent from Washington to Alaska were sent to Camp Harmony. The Army was given the task by the President to evict the housing of 92,000 men, women, and children.
The “apartments” inside the camp were setup to give every individual 50 sq. ft. of space. Each had one window as well as a single electrical socket. They also had a wood stove. The facility was barb wired and the expected stay was 100 days. They would then be moved again to prison camps. Overall, it was a horrible time of injustice in American history.
In September 1946, the fair was back with its first opening since the war. Over the years, there have been Remembrance days to honor the residents who were confined at Camp Harmony.
In 2006, the fair was officially referred to as the “Western Washington Fair”. But during that year, this name was dropped and changed to match the more common usage. The name of the fairground was changed to “The Puyallup Fair and Events Center”. Finally in 2012 the fair was named the Washington State Fair. The decision to change the name to the Washington State Fair took many years. The Board of Directors of the Fair hired firms, focus groups, and conducted market research before making the name change official. The name change also allowed the fair to attract bigger names for the concerts they put on each year.
Many residents in Puyallup still call it the Puyallup Fair, however. The locals have always known it by that name. It has a certain character and charisma not to mention history that simply isn’t going to go away.
The Washington State Fair Rodeo in September welcomes all the top cowboys and cowgirls in the country to participate in the Rodeo and the Justin Boots Playoffs in September. The top athletes and stock come to compete for the largest purse in the Northwest. The top 24 competitors in each event come from around the country to put their all into winning their individual event so they move on to the National Finals Rodeo.
The Western Rodeo Parade and Cattle Drive is a fun family event that signals the beginning to the rodeo weekend at the Washington State Fairgrounds. The annual Cattle Drive starts at 10am and is a free hour long event that travels down Meridian Street in downtown. The Cattle drive is a non-motorized parade that includes equestrian drill teams, draft horse hitches, military marching bands, cowboys on horseback, and some amazing musical entertainment.
For evening Rodeo ticket holders, the Dancin’ in the Dirt parties take place following the Friday and Saturday evening rodeos. This super popular event is free to the evening ticket holders and guests. It is a fun way to let loose and dance in the dirt while listening to live performances by popular country musicians. This fun event also provides a meet and greet with the PRCA rodeo contestants.
There are seven main events at the Puyallup rodeo. Bull riding is considered the most dangerous and exciting rodeo events out of the lineup. A brave rider sits up on a 2,000lb bull and attempts to ride the massive beast for 8 seconds. Riders get disqualified if they get thrown off before 8 seconds or if they touch the bull or his equipment with his free hand.
The second event is the Bareback Riding event. In the pro rodeo circuit, this event is the most physically demanding. Much like the Bull Riding event, the rider must stay on a bucking horse for a full eight seconds. They only have a piece of leather rigging to hold onto when the horse is trying to buck them off their backs. This event provides edge of your seat action as the crowd waits in anticipation to see if the rider will stay on the full eight seconds.
Saddle Bronc Riding is an event that tests the balance, style and timing of the rider. The objective is for the rider to synchronize their spurring action with the bronc’s movements and to stay on the bucking bronco for eight seconds without touching the horse with his free hand. This event is based on the horse breaking skills of the original cowboy but has evolved into a highly stylized competition.
The Tie-down Roping event tests the rider’s quickness and accuracy with a lasso and their expertise as a horse rider. The purpose is to successfully lasso a calf running wildly around the arena. This is a timed event and the rider must catch a calf by throwing a rope around its neck, dismount from the horse and the restrain the calf. If the calf kicks free of the ties in under six seconds the rider receives “no time”.
Team roping is the only team event in the Pro Rodeo. This event is also known as heading and heeling. The team is made up of a header and a heeler and the goal is to work together to rope a steer. The header ropes the horns and the heeler ropes the heels. This event requires that the two team members to work in tandem with one another to rope the steer and when both have completed their separate tasks, the clock stops. This is another event that is based on the original technique used at ranches to capture and restrain a full-grown animal.
Barrel racing is another exciting timed event and is the only women’s event at the Puyallup Pro Rodeo. The rider and horse ride around three barrels in the shape of a cloverleaf pattern as quickly as possible. In barrel racing the fastest time wins so the rider must have very precise control over their horse when maneuvering around the barrels at such high speeds. The rider may tip the barrels or touch them but if the barrels actually get knocked over, then a five-second penalty is added to their total time. The clock stops when the rider completes the pattern.
The final event is the Steer Wrestling event. This event is considered one of the more dangerous events due to the fact that the rider has to wrestle the steer to the ground. A horse mounted rider chases a steer then jumps off the horse to attempt to wrestle the steer to the ground by twisting its horns. There are actually two people involved in this event. The steer wrestler is called the “Bulldogger” and there is another rider called a “hazer” that rides parallel to the steer to help keep the steer running in a straight line. The “bulldogger” must stop the steer and then wrestle it down to the ground until it is flat on its back and all four feet are pointed in the same direction.
The Washington State Fair Rodeo is a wild ride for people of all ages. The fair also offers deals and discounts when you buy a season pass or a family 4-pack.
The Spring Fair is relatively new compared to the overall history of the Washington State Fair. The first Spring Fair was held in April in 1990 and has grown to become one of the most successful spring events in the Pacific Northwest. Considered one of the best ways to banish the winter blues in our lovely state, this fair offers so many fun and exciting ways to celebrate the arrival of warmer weather. This fair usually happens during mid-April and runs for 4 days at the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup. Much like the hyped Fall Fair, the Spring Fair offers some delicious food, fun rides, free music and entertainment.
The Spring Fair also features fun family attractions. A fan favorite, the ever- exciting Dock Dogs, is where contestants enter their dogs in this longest distance jump contest. The dogs jump into a large portable swimming pool and the dog with the longest jump wins. The Northwest Living & Garden Exhibit located in the Sleep Train Showplex, not only features artistic garden displays for inspiration but also vendors that offer the best in nurseries, garden shops, landscapers, and clubs. There are also many events that are specifically geared towards children. Fun on the Farm is one of the most popular attractions for children at the fair. It features farm activities, agricultural displays, and adorable baby animals. The Kid Zone in the Pavilion is an entire building dedicated to fun learning activities for kids of all ages. The Kid Zone features the Kids can Cook Cooking Show, Creative Kids Exhibit, Master Gardener’s Activity Station, and FFA Agricultural Science Contest. Looking for more of an action packed event at the fair? The Motorsport Mayhem features tricked out monster trucks galore and a highly entertaining demolition derby.
One of the most unique aspects of the Spring Fair is the official Washington State Spring Fair mascot Quigley the Duck. Since his introduction in April 2014, fair goers have enjoyed the opportunity to takes pictures with the giant yellow duck and to share them on Twitter using #ItsDucky. Make sure to take your photo when you enter the fair through the Gold Gate.
The Spring Fair also offers free parking in official fair parking lots and runs from a Thursday until Sunday. You can buy tickets either at the gates or online on their website. The fair also has a lot of participation opportunities for both businesses and individuals. There are a lot of openings for vendors, sponsors, performers, and for employment.
The Washington State Fair is located at 110 9th Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371. If you’re traveling from Highway 512 or 167 you’ll take the Puyallup exit and there are fair signs that guide you to the event and areas to park. The fair is surrounded by parking lots owned by the fair. It doesn’t matter which side you come in from, there will be parking available. Free parking is available on the streets (if you come early) and all the homes in the area will sell you a parking spot on their lawn for a discounted rate all day. (Google Map)
Shuttles / Buses
During the fair, Pierce Transit offers direct rides to the fairgrounds. It cost $2 this year which is a pretty good deal. It’s located just out of the way so there is less traffic and free parking if you ride the Fair Express Bus. The South Hill Mall is a great location to jump on or you can take it from Lakewood or the Tacoma Mall as well. The Express Bus runs every 30 minutes.
Over the years, the places to stay in Puyallup have grown dramatically. If you want to stay very close to the fair (in walking distance) then you’ll want to stay at one of these hotels by the fair. These include:
Hampton Inn & Suites
1515 South Meridian
Puyallup, WA 98371
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
812 South Hill Park Drive
Puyallup, WA 98373
Fairfield Inn & Suites
202 15th Ave. SW
Puyallup, WA 98371
Motel Puyallup
1412 S. Meridian Street
Puyallup, WA 98371
The ticket prices for this year’s fair, 2016, is $12.50. You can often find a few dollars off in mailings or at the local Safeway by the fair. For students and seniors the price is $9.00. The Washington State Fair is FREE for kids under 5 years of age.
One thing that many people do not know about the fairgrounds is that it is a gorgeous, affordable and convenient place to get married. Due to its prime location in Puyallup and its proximity to both Seattle and Tacoma, the fairgrounds are not only close to hotels, attractions and a lot of wedding vendors but the Fair also offers a lot of amenities to make the process of getting married easier on couples. The Washington State Fair Events Center can accommodate both larger and smaller weddings.
There are four different venues to choose from depending on the size of your wedding. The Pavilion is an indoor venue that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. It is the largest venue on the grounds and it is located next to a picturesque water fountain and a unique antique merry-go-round. The Expo Hall is located right inside the Gold Gate on the Fairgrounds and is another large, open indoor space that accommodates up to 800 people. The Fair Farm is one of the favorites for couples who are getting married at the Washington State Fair. This gorgeous rustic barn is the perfect venue for couples looking for that elegant country affair and can accommodate up to 300 guests. As an add-on to the Fair Farm, couples can rent the Planting Patch as a lovely outdoor space for the ceremony. The smallest venue available for those more intimate weddings is the Fair View Club. This stylish indoor venue accommodates up 150 guests and has recently been remodeled. No matter what kind of wedding you are having, the fair has venues that fit all different types of couples and themes.
When couples book a venue with the Event Center, the rental includes a lot of perks for the couple. The venue will provide dining tables, standard chairs, standard pipe and drape and stage risers. There is also complimentary parking for guests along with lots of convenient parking nearby in case the complimentary lot gets full. In order to help keep your wedding running smoothly and to answer any questions that you might have, they provide an event attendant during your event. There is also a house microphone and sound system included along with up to ten hours of building use.
When looking for an elegant yet affordable wedding venue, look no further than Puyallup. The Event Center at the fairgrounds offers different venue sizes for different types of weddings. They offer everything from a rustic country themed wedding to an elegant, sophisticated affair along with excellent customer service in order to make your day run smoothly and efficiently. The fairgrounds offer gorgeous, scenic opportunities for photos and a beautiful setting to make your wedding the one to remember.
Each year the Washington State Fair brings some of the biggest acts to our small town. They perform on the big grandstand inside the fair each year. Rain or shine you can expect to the see the show. The grandstand area has a capacity of 10,000. Your concert ticket price also includes free entry into the fair.
Reserved seating for concerts can be made online. Concert tickets include Washington State Fair gate admission which is a $12.50 value at this time. Tickets are required for children who are 2 years age and older. Rates can change from year to year so make sure you verify these numbers and information on their website.
If you want to watch concerts before the fair opens, you’ll want to watch them during the Concerts in the Park held at Pioneer Park – it’s free.
Fair E–Club
By joining the exclusive Fair E-Club you will get access to exclusive presale of concert tickets, letting you buy tickets before they are on sale to the public! Many of the concerts sell out fast so by signing up early you’ll get a jump start.
**Details about the 2016 Fair concerts.
2015 concerts at the Fair below:
Heart Concert 2015 fair
We already have news on the 2015 fair. Everyone just loves a really good “local finds success’’ story. Nancy and Ann Wilson, otherwise known as “Heart”, continue to extensively tour and play to houses that are packed everywhere they go. They will return home to the Puget Sound area this September. Last Monday afternoon, it was announced that Heart was the third 2015 Concert series show to be broadcasted by the Washington State Fair. There show will be at the fair’s stage on Tuesday Sept 15. Show’s kick- off will begin at 7:30. Party Pre-Show tickets are $32.50 but do not contain Fair gate or Concert admissions. At the party before the show, includes dinner, and drinks, plus activities and special prizes with Ann and Nancy Wilson.
“Weird Al” Yankovic Sept. 14 at 7:30 pm
Not many know that “Weird Al” Yankovic as a teen was an extremely shy, accordion – player. He got his start by sending homemade tapes to the “Dr. Demento Radio Show”. That was how he got his start to become one of the largest-selling comedy performers in history selling over 12 million. He is now in his 4th career decade, having earned 3 Grammys out of 14 nominations and countless other awards and tributes. He will be in concert at the Washington Fair on Sept. 14, 2015 starting at 7:30 pm. Weird All has been visiting our local fair for several years and it’s always a great time.
Keith Urban – Sept. 19, 2015 Monday 7:30pm
One of the music fields most exhilarating live performers, 4 times Grammy winner and judge on American Idol, Keith Urban, will bring his tour to the fair. Pre-Show Party tickets cost $32.50 but do not include Concert or Fair gate admission.
Born in Whangarei, North Island, New Zealand and named ‘Keith Lionel’ Urban in 1967 Keith, his parents and brother moved to Brisbane, Queensland. They then moved to Caboolture, one hour north of Brisbane. At a young age Urban started playing instruments, including the guitar, drums, bass guitar, keyboard, ganjo (6 string banjo), piano and sitar. Keith Urban is also a judge on the television show American Idol. It can be found on our local channel 13 Fox.
His musical career switched into high gear after he moved to Nashville in 1992. His first album in America was while he was a member of “The Ranch” in 1997, followed then by ever more hits with solo albums such as:
• Keith Urban 1999;
• Golden Road 2001;
• Be Here 2004;
• Love, Pain and the Wild Crazy Thing 2006;
• Defying Gravity 2009.
Other Events at the Fairgrounds
• Spring Fair 2016
• Sportsmen Show 2015
• Oktoberfest 2015
Hall of Fame
Last at the fair in 2013, Heart will come home as members of the most recent class inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Their recognition in Hall of Fame announces them as the first women to front for a hard rock band. They have been an encouragement to the female musicians everywhere who were once told that rocking was only for the boys. Information on when tickets go on sale will be posted as soon as possible.
Other concerts just announced for 2015 include:
Fifth Harmony and special guest Bea Miller. Wednesday, Sep 16 at 7:30pm, $28.00 – $55.00
Crystal Gayle & Lee Greenwood. Thursday, Sep 17 at 7:30pm, $28.00 – $45.00
Iggy Azalea and special guests Tinashe & Elijah Blake. Tuesday, Sep 22 at 7:30pm, $55.00 – $85.00
Duran Duran with special guest Chic featuring Nile Rodgers. Wednesday, Sep 23 at 7:30pm, $60.00 – $100.00
Kool & the Gang plus En Vogue. Friday, Sep 25 at 7:30pm, $35.00 – $60.00
Jason Derulo. Saturday, Sep 26 at 7:30pm, $40.00 – $65.00
Pitbull. Sunday, Sep 27 at 7:30pm, $70.00 – $110.00
Concert tickets can be found online and at the Fair Box Office.
Each year is more exciting than the last. One of the main attractions of the fair is its rides. Washington State Fair rides are arguably one of the biggest perks of going to the fair. It brings out the “kid” in all of us.
Growing up in Puyallup, I remember all the great rides. As a young child it’s all that really matter to me. I couldn’t wait until 11am when the rides started to actually get turned on so I could have some real fun. We also got to the fair early so my Mother and Father could enjoy everything else the Fair offered – then it was my time. Unfortunately, my Father is no longer with me but it was one of my favorite moments with him. Being older now, I understand his frustration and will be forever grateful for his patience. He would literally wait for hours and hours in lines with me so I could get on the next ride. You just don’t appreciate it until you get older and understand it better.
The fair is an exciting time of year! We have listed some of the most popular rides so you can prepare yourself for all the fun you’re about to have. Let’s get started with all the Washington State Fair rides.
Merry-Go-Round
The Merry-Go-Round ride is the oldest ride at the fair. It’s been operating at the fair since 1923! If you’re a senior (62+), you can actually ride the Merry-Go-Round for FREE. This ride is a timeless antique so if you want a smooth ride give it a shot.
Classic White Wooden Roller Coaster
The wooden roller coaster has been one of the biggest attractions forever at the fair. In fact, people all over the nation come to ride the iconic ride. It’s been with the fair since 1935. The roller coaster has completed a 5 year renovation which will make sure the ride will continue operating the next 100 years. It’s one of 20 wooden roller coasters across the nation. This 55-foot ride is an amazing and popular ride.
Extreme Scream
Not for the faint of heart this ride will make grown men cry. You can see it from the freeway. It’s tall and will take you 20 stories in the air in a matter of seconds. As you stomach nearly leaves your body, you’ll hit nearly 3G’s.
Rainer Rush
This is the Washington State Fair’s newest roller coaster. It was started in 2013. If you’re ready to take on this ride, you’ll experience a 60 foot drop, prompt curves going 50 mph, while you hang on for the ride of your life. Not for the faint of heart but if you want to feel +5.8 gravity force, then take this ride head on and be ready to scream.
There you have it our top picks for rides at the Fair. We talk about more rides at the Puyallup fair here.
Food at the Washington State Fair
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to the food at the fair. Each year it continues to grow. We talk a lot about the fair food on Puyallup.com. My personal favorite is the scones and the corn dogs. The scones continue to be the best deal at the Fair each one is $1.50. If you buy a dozen, you also get a discount. Taffy is hard to find but still a great deal. You can get a bar of taffy for a $1 in a variety of flavors. Last year it was only .50 cents so it did go up this year (2016). As you can imagine most the fair food is expensive (it’s a fair!). I haven’t tried the deep fried exotic items yet but I have heard they are great. These include butter, snickers, and other food items. Pete’s BBQ is a pretty good deal as well. You can get a meal for about $8 dollars and while that may seem expensive if you compare the other options, you’ll agree. This year I saw big turkey legs and corn on the cob which looked delicious and worth trying. The best place to buy a can a soda is in the vending machines. They cost $1.50 as compared to $5 at booth so keep that in mind.
Growing up in downtown Puyallup and visiting the fair growing up has been a great experience. It’s one of the highlights of Puyallup and certainly its biggest attraction. The fairs history and legacy will forever be connected to the City of Puyallup. The shows, food, and activities are worth the trip. The fair has connected families made many kids hearts melt in excitement. Hope you enjoyed reading about the Washington State Fair and see you next year!