What to do at the Evergreen State Fair with your little ones

MONROE — It’s Kids Day at the Evergreen State Fair, which means young people through age 15 walk in with free admission.

Today is a great time for older kids, who often can police themselves in packs when given periodic meet-up times with adults.

But what about younger children?

I attended the fair last week with my daughter and her family, and I was reminded about how easy it is for little ones to walk away when you’re focused, even briefly, on something else.

The fair has a lost child booth where you can pick up free ID bracelets, and sheriff’s deputies are always on hand, with some watching surveillance cameras. But you don’t have to let it get to that.

Dress your child in bright clothing. Hold his hand. Put her in a stroller. Let him ride on your shoulders. Walk together. Everywhere.

However, remember that it’s supposed to be a good day, so don’t get too uptight. As fair officials say, “Fewer worries equal more fun.” Just focus on your child. She is why you are there in the first place, right?

So what do children like to do at the fair? Just the busy atmosphere is a lot for little ones. Take it slow.

First thing to do is head to the barns at the back of the fairgrounds to see the animals. The 4-H and FFA kids as well as the adults showing in open class are friendly and often more than happy to share what they know about their cows, sheep, goats, dogs, rabbits and more.

Be sure to see the big sow Rosie and her piglets in the hog barn.

When not in show-mode, the sheep wear clingy gym wear to keep them clean.

Some kids will gasp when they see how tall most dairy cows stand.

While visiting the animals, keep snacks away from the kids and wash their hands frequently. Wash stations are located outside most of the barns. And most restrooms are equipped with diaper changing stations, by the way.

Outside the dairy barn is the Sky Valley Stock &Antique Tractor Club’s pedal tractor area. It doesn’t cost a thing to let your child hop on and drive around like a farmer out in the field. My granddaughter Paige rode several tractors until she found just the right one. Her farming forefathers would have been proud.

The kiddie carnival rides are located near animal barns. Go for these if the children want to try out the carousel and the low-key roller coaster. It’s always best to ride with your child, especially the first time. Paige appreciated taking turns going on the rides with Mama, Daddy and Grama.

Later, you can walk your children by the big amusement rides near the entrance gate. Little kids will enjoy watching, but seldom will beg to go on these crazy machines.

Over near the grandstand and the horse arena, check out the pony rides and the petting zoo.

The free petting zoo was a hit with Ella, my toddler granddaughter. She marched right in and started petting each of the goats, a calf, some fawns and the alpaca, which chewed on my shirt. This girl is headed for a 4-H membership, no doubt.

A nice hand-washing station is located just outside the petting zoo. Use it.

The butterfly exhibit is another place to stop with little kids, but expect an extra charge.

Other kid-related events today at the fair include the Reptile Man showing off snakes at 11:45 a.m. at the courtyard stage, followed there by the Wild Wacky West Show at 1 p.m. (and again at 4:30 p.m.) Check out the equestrian events at noon in the arena and the pie-eating contest at 3 p.m. back at the courtyard stage. A bunch of 4-H dog agility and obedience contests go on throughout the day in the events center pavilion.

Labor Day weekend at the fair

The 12-day fair comes to a close on Labor Day. You still have plenty of time to enjoy fair food, the displays, animals, the logging show and lots of entertainment. Pick up a program at the entrance gate.

Tonight, the Everett-born singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins performs for the grandstand crowd.

Country star Trace Adkins performs Sept. 1. Adkins also is a TV and movie star and the spokesman for Wounded Warrior Project. His bass-baritone singing voice is impressive when he’s belting his hits, such as “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing,” “Ladies Love Country Boys” and “You’re Gonna Miss This.” Adkins’ new album, “Something’s Going On,” was released in March.

Tickets to the concerts ($35 to $48) include fair admission.

Sept. 1 is Armed Forces Day at the fair, so all military and first responders with valid identification are admitted free. On the courtyard stage, see the Army jazz band Modern Frequency and the Monroe Concert Band playing some patriotic tunes.

In the grandstands Sept. 2 and 3, watch speedway races, including street stocks and the demolition derby. An extra fee is charged. On Monday during the day, the Evergreen Drag Racing event has no extra charge.

Sept. 2 is an especially good day on the courtyard stage. Local performers include the Shed Players, Marcia Kester, the Harvey Creek Band and the Marlin James Band.

The Pro West Rodeo is at 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with bareback riding, roping, barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, clowns and draft horses. Pay an extra admission charge of just $5 for the rodeo.

The fair is located just off U.S. 2 in Monroe. Fair admission is free for children age 5 and younger, $8 for kids through age 15 (free on Kids Day), $12 for ages 16 to 61, $8 for military with ID, $8 for ages 62 to 89, and free for ages 90 and older.

More information is at www.evergreenfair.org.