Spring Fair brings many new attractions
When the Washington State Spring Fair opens on Thursday, April 10, visitors will have a lot that’s new to explore in addition to all the favorite attractions, rides, foods and more that bring folks back year after year.
On opening day, the Fair Food Drive will be underway to benefit the Puyallup Food Bank. With a suggested non-perishable food donation, gate admission is free from 2-4 p.m. for all ages. Admission is free all day for youth ages 6-18 and again on April 17 for Kids Free Thursdays.
More special days include Military Appreciation Day on Friday, April 11, with free gate admission offered to active, retired and reserve military and their dependents, plus disabled veterans, with valid military ID; fireworks shows on Sunday, April 12 and April 19, starting at approximately 9 p.m.; and monster truck rides for thrill-seekers of all ages Thursdays, 2-8 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays, 12-8 p.m.
New Fair experiences await starting with Fair Meal Deals designed to offer more affordable food choice options for Fair guests. Select food vendors will offer value meals for $10 on weekdays that include a standard-size entrée combined with a side dish and/or drink. Guests will receive a 30-50 percent discount on these menu items.
Every day at the Fair, guests can visit the Goat Playground featuring 20 goats of all shapes and sizes frolicking about on planks, tables, play structures and more.
Easter fun can be had with ongoing Easter-themed entertainment throughout the event, plus kids and adults alike can get creative with arts and crafts for all ages. Be sure and check out the Peeps & Jellybean Competitions showcasing sweet creativity and impressive designs, and don’t miss your chance to snap a festive photo with the Easter Bunny in the Pavilion on April 17, 18, 19 and 20. The Golden Egg Scavenger Hunt happening on the second weekend of the Fair challenges you to complete the hunt to score a scone ticket and be entered to win concert and future event admission tickets.
At "The Collection” curated Fair Boutique, discover a unique blend of historic logos, iconic artwork and one-of-a-kind creations you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re after something nostalgic or a new favorite piece, from stylish clothing and sleek drinkware to home goods, stickers and more, visit and shop "The Collection” at the north end of the Pavilion near the Gold Gate.
This year is the Washington State Fair Event Center’s 125th anniversary and it will be celebrated as well. Fairgoers will have the opportunity to check out the impressive construction equipment being used for the venue’s $28 million renovation and view large displays showcasing renderings and photos of upcoming improvements, including the 1900 Food Hall & Rooftop Bar and Gold Gate entrance.
The U.S. Navy Strike Group Tour, April 11-13 and 17-20, explores the dynamic world of Navy STEM careers. From nuclear engineering and aviation to special warfare and medicine, this immersive exhibit highlights unparalleled career opportunities. Using cutting-edge virtual reality, guests can step into the action and experience firsthand the teamwork and innovation that drive every role in the Navy.
New food choices feature Miss C’s Chicken Shack serving southern favorites like chicken and waffles, an eight-piece chicken bucket, potato jojos, and Nashville hot crispy chicken sandwich. Cevicheria Mahi Mahi will be making its Spring Fair debut with this tasty seafood dish and multiple options like ceviche in a bowl over spicy chips.
There’s lots to do at the Fair that’s free with admission. Now in its seventh year, the annual Washington State Spring Fair BBQ competitions brings award winning barbeque to sample 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 12. The next day, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., up to 35 competitors will be cooking up their own variations of barbeque classics as they vie for the blue ribbon and $25,000 purse.
Fiesta Mexicana is on Sunday, April 13, showcasing beautiful and elegant performances and musical entertainment. Dock Dogs is back daily featuring dogs competing in events such as Big Air Wave and Speed Retrieve by running down a 40-foot canine runway and jumping headlong into a 27,000-gallon pool of water. The Racing Pigs event is another longtime Fair favorite.
In keeping with the Fair’s farming and agriculture roots, fun awaits at Wheels on the Farm, animal exhibits, Piglet Palace, Fair Farm, and the Farm at Sillyville. This along with rides, strolling entertainment, stage acts, comedy, music and much more will be underway throughout the Fair. Discover it all at TheFair.com.