Fair’s 2017 theme harkens back to original ag mission

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, February 22, 2017

MONROE — The Evergreen State Fair has a new theme for 2017: “Harvest the Memories.”

This year’s fair is still six months away. The county is unveiling the slogan early to give exhibitors, artists and others time to prepare.

“We’re really trying to get the message out now because a lot of people are working on their quilt now for August,” said Brielle Dodge with fair marketing.

That also could mean perfecting your apple pie recipe, artwork or 4-H entries.

This year’s fair is set for Aug. 24 through Sept. 4. This will be its 109th year. It’s been in the same location, the county fairgrounds along U.S. 2 in Monroe, since 1949 and typically draws hundreds of thousands of visitors.

The 2017 theme harkens back to the fair’s original mission celebrating agriculture. Artists Nathan and Katherine Yoder, of Edmonds, made the “Harvest the Memories” logo showing a field with a bounty of crops.

Stay tuned for the fair’s concert lineup, to be announced Wednesday.

Fairgrounds manager Hal Gausman said he’s working to improve on the healthy environment they’ve been trying to create at the fair. A zero-waste initiative to minimize trash will continue. Organizers also are getting ready to roll out a no-smoking policy.

Also, they’re trying to get more help with decorations and activities.

“Our challenge is how to get more people involved,” Gausman said.

To contribute, contact Brielle Dodge at 360-805-6704 or brielle.dodge@co.snohomish.wa.us.

For more info on the fair, go to www.evergreenfair.org.