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Almanac

Shop ’til You Stop

Put on your comfortable shoes and take advantage of the many opportunities that are available to shoppers in Sumner and Puyallup. The Sumner Downtown Association hosts several annual shopping adventures‚ including a “Surfin’ the Sales” promotion in which downtown businesses mark down inventory and create theme-appropriate window displays for the day. Meanwhile‚ there are 14 antique stores in Puyallup alone‚ with the Puyallup Antique District Association overseeing several annual shopping events and promotions.

Superlative Scones

And don’t forget the raspberry jam and warm butter.

The Western Washington Fair – also known as the Puyallup Fair – is the largest single attraction held annually in the entire state‚ continually ranking among the top 10 fairs in the entire nation. It draws more than 1 million visitors to the 17-day event each September.

Nearly as popular as the fair itself are baked scones that have been a staple there since 1915. Fisher Flour Mills was the original producer of the scones‚ and the triangular-shaped biscuits are sold annually at the same corner booth at the fair.

Out on a Limb

Banzai‚ Weyerhaeuser.

The forestry-production giant established a Pacific Rim Bonsai Collection in 1989 that today is one of the top bonsai outdoor museums in the country. Nearly 30‚000 visitors each year view 60 different bonsai tree species that originate from six Pacific Rim nations.

The trees are featured in an elaborate woodland setting on Weyerhaeuser’s corporate campus in Federal Way. The miniaturized living trees are shaped by artists to portray feelings such as serenity‚ drama‚ passion and strength.

A Fine Kettle of Fish

Want to be virtually guaranteed of catching a fish? Then drop your line into the pond at Troutlodge U-Fish in Orting.

All ages are welcome and fishing licenses are not required at the stocked pond that features rainbow trout measuring 10-14 inches. There are also arctic char that can be caught.

The lodge has become a popular spot for birthday parties and family get-togethers. All fishing gear is free‚ and customers pay only for the fish that they catch. Kids can also see several farm animals on site‚ such as goats‚ rabbits‚ chickens‚ peacocks and horses.

This Place Is Hopping

Puyallup was founded in the 1870s by pioneer Ezra Meeker‚ who then went on to make a fortune in the hops industry.

Today‚ one of the city’s proudest landmarks is Meeker Mansion‚ which has been restored and preserved since 1970 by the Ezra Meeker Historical Society. The spacious Victorian house originally was built in 1890 and is open for tours from March to mid-December.

One of the most popular times to frequent the mansion is in June during Meeker Days‚ a three-day annual festival that covers 15 blocks and attracts 100‚000 visitors.

A Furniture Store That Fudges a Bit

It’s obvious what the Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse is all about‚ but it also is home to a fudge factory.

The landmark business on Valley Avenue East in Sumner has become one of the largest home furnishing stores in all of Washington. It features 10 acres of furniture in a building that was formerly home to the Sumner Cannery. The building itself is a topic of discussion for customers because of the gigantic daffodils affixed to the exterior wall.

As for the fudge factory‚ it was built from an old tree in the center of the store. The unusual furniture warehouse also features an old-time model train set that runs through the showrooms.

Here’s a Classic Tale

Get your motor running every August at the Classy Chassis Classic Car‚ Rod and Truck Show.

The one-day event on the last Sunday in August has been a downtown Sumner attraction for eight years‚ occurring in the city’s Main Street business district.

Besides the hundreds of vehicles on display‚ attractions include a raffle‚ silent auctions‚ live music and food vendors. The first 300 vehicle entrants receive a dashboard plaque‚ and the entry fee per vehicle is $12. Spectators are admitted free.

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