MONROE — Dizzying rides. Baby pigs. Cows and horses. Savory and sweet treats. A laser show.
Those are just some of attractions at the Evergreen State Fair, which kicks off Thursday in Monroe. The 11-day event runs Aug. 25 to 30 and Sept. 1 to 5 at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds.
At limited capacity, last year’s fair drew 181,000. That’s a little more than half the 355,000 who attended in 2019, a record-breaking year. The county fair was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Organizers expect attendance to pick up again. Many have purchased tickets in advance, said Rose Intveld, a spokesperson with Snohomish County Parks & Recreation.
“It does feel like it’s going to be a full year,” she said. “I think so many are excited to come back to in-person events and the family tradition of coming to the fair every summer.”
There are 66 food vendors, dozens of live performances and hundreds of kids participating in 4H and FFA competitions.
Fair traditions, such as the rodeo, have returned. The sow and litter display is also back, with mom expected to give birth to piglets this week. New events, including the All-Star Dog Stunt Show and Brad’s World Reptiles, will be offered daily. There will be a free laser show to the music of Queen.
“You can walk around and see something new around every corner and fun for all ages,” Intveld said.
About 300 hand-sanitizing stations are scattered throughout the fairgrounds, a COVID-19 safety measure continuing from last year. Masks are optional and will be available at the gates.
Here are some highlights of the upcoming fair:
The Ring of Fire is set up as other rides are yet to be installed as the state fair approaches Monday, at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Grandstand concerts: Performances kick off with Laser Queen on Aug. 29, followed by Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts on Aug. 30, Scotty McCreery on Sept. 1, and Bethel Music on Sept. 2. Concert tickets include fair admission. Laser show is free with fair admission.
Courtyard Stage: A variety of free performances, including The Pilchuck Boyz, Reptile Man, Joe Stoddard, Bailadores de Bronce (Mexican Folkloric dancers), Inochi Taiko (Japanese drummers), Aztec Indian Dancers, Danny Vernon’s Illusions of Elvis, Siggie the Vintage Man, Louie Foxx, the Arlington School of Dance, Monroe Community Band and more.
Goat playground: Daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Antique tractor display and pedal tractors: Daily from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Brad’s World Reptiles: Daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Interact with live reptiles.
Sow & litter display: Inside swine barn daily. See mom and piglets.
International Lumberjack Show: Daily at noon, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
All-Star Dog Stunt Show: Daily at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Dogs will perform flips, tricks and big air stunts.
Evergreen Youth Livestock Show: Youth will auction off their livestock at 5 p.m. Aug. 27.
Morning of Dreams: 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 30. The sensory-friendly event is for children and adults with disabilities or special needs. No special ticket is needed.
Pro-West Rodeo: 5 p.m. Sept. 3 and 4, and 2 p.m. Sept. 5. Tickets are $5 to $10.
Mike Livermore, a veteran and sign language interpreter from Sultan, prepares toys for sale at his booth Monday, at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe. Livermore said he’s been working the fair for four years now because he likes meeting people that pass through and it gets him out of the house. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
If you go
The Evergreen State Fair is Aug. 25 to 30 and Sept. 1 to 5 at Evergreen State Fairgrounds, 14405 179th Ave. SE, Monroe. Live music, food, carnival rides, fireworks, monster trucks, auto races, equestrian and livestock shows and more.
Fair admission is $16 for adults on weekdays, $18 on weekends and $14 on Labor Day. It’s $12 any day and $10 on Labor Day for youth, seniors 62 and older, and active military with ID. Free entry for those younger than 6 or older than 89.
Parking is $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends.
Fair hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 25 to Sept. 4 and 11:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 5. Closed on Aug. 31. Carnival hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The carnival closes at 7 p.m. on Labor Day.
More information at evergreenfair.org.
Jacqueline Allison: 425-339-3434; jacqueline.allison@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @jacq_allison.
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