‘5 donations, 1 admission’ back for Evergreen State Fair food drive

MONROE — The Evergreen State Fair is returning to Monroe and so, too, is the annual Fair Food Drive.

Those who donate five or more non-perishable and unexpired items will receive one weekday ticket to this year’s fair.

The donations benefit the Snohomish Food Bank Coalition.

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers said the fair draws hundreds of thousands of visitors and generates significant economic activity for the county.

“And each year, we take the opportunity to give back to community members in need through the Fair Food Drive,” he said in a press release.

In 2023, the drive brought in 19,195 pounds of donated food. This year, the goal is to beat that, said Sharon Swan, director of the county’s parks and recreation division.

“Having the food drive early, instead of on the opening day of the fair, which has been a tradition in the past, eliminates the pressure of having to come to the fair on a certain day to save money on admission,” Swan said.

Donations of five or more non-perishable and unexpired items can be dropped off in the west parking lot at the Evergreen State Fair Park and various Lee Johnson Auto Family locations around the region until July 11.

Meanwhile, the main drive-thru fundraising event is set for July 13, starting at noon.

After the donation has been made and participants get their tickets, they can choose which weekday to enjoy the fair.

There is a limit of one ticket per person and five tickets per car. Tickets are first come, first served.

Cash donations do not count toward tickets.

The state fair runs from Aug. 22-27 and Aug. 29-Sept. 2.

Suggested non-perishable and unexpired donations include:

Baby wipes;

Hygiene/toiletries;

Canned vegetables;

Pasta (whole grain);

Peanut butter;

Rice;