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Article Archives: 2006 Edition / Feature 2
Just 'Do the Puyallup'
Western Washington Fair draws more than 1 million visitors each year
The Puyallup Fair was started by farmers who wanted to showcase their animals and farm products. It’s now one of the Top 10 fairs in attendance in the world.
Frank Sinatra performed here and so have Bob Dylan‚ Bob Hope and ZZ Top.
The Puyallup Fair (also known as the Western Washington Fair) is the largest single attraction held annually in the state of Washington‚ and it continually ranks as one of the Top 10 fairs in attendance in the world – and has for more than a decade.
The 17-day extravaganza each September brings more than 1 million people to the Puyallup Fairgrounds.
“Do the Puyallup” – the catchphrase for the fair for the past 30 years – has become popular among fair-goers who come to Eastern Pierce County from all across the Pacific Northwest.
“The fair was started in 1900 by farmers who wanted a place to showcase their agriculture‚ animals and wares‚ and it’s grown ever since‚” says Karen LaFlamme‚ Puyallup Fair spokesperson. “There are 50 part-time staffers who work on the fair during the entire year‚ and then 1‚700 people are hired to work the 17 days. Those 1‚700 employees don’t include the vendors‚ so you can see what a huge undertaking it is to organize.”
The fair is privately owned by stockholders and is a not-for-profit event‚ making it somewhat unusual in the world of fairs.
“We don’t receive or ask for any government money of any kind‚ and we actually pay taxes‚” says Candace Blancher‚ Puyallup Fair assistant manager. “It was conceived as a business back when it began in 1900‚ and I think the original organizers would be proud if they could see what the fair is all about today.”
The first three days of the fair are highlighted by a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association competition that draws the top rodeo participants in the country.
But the Puyallup Fair is primarily a showcase for traditions such as agriculture‚ baking‚ quiltmaking‚ animals‚ carnival rides and food booths.
The state of Washington also holds its 4-H and Future Farmers of America competitions at the Puyallup Fairgrounds during the 17-day fair.
“We are also known for our scones around here‚ which are baked biscuits filled with raspberry jam and served warm and dripping with butter‚” LaFlamme says. “They have a life of their own here in Puyallup‚ and I couldn’t even guess how many thousands of scones we sell at the fair.”
Musical entertainment takes place each year on one of five small stages and an 10‚000-seat grandstand.
Top-name acts that have appeared in the past include Brooks & Dunn‚ Brad Paisley and Frank Sinatra – in the only performance of his entire career at a fair.
“I think people often come to the Puyallup Fair to appreciate the handiwork‚ triumphs and challenges of others‚” Blancher says. “Cutting-edge items are showcased from the 21st century‚ yet some areas of the fairgrounds look the same as when the fair started in 1900.
“Our event is grass-roots America in its finest form‚” she adds‚ “because it includes family‚ competition and an atmosphere of friendliness.”
Story by Kevin Litwin
Photo by submission
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