No Kidding! Come to the Thurston County Fair

Billy Goat, the official mascot, invites everyone to attend a highlight of summer: the Thurston County Fair. It’s a place where generous amounts of fun and enthusiasm are packed into five days that highlight livestock, children’s activities, music, contests, food, and festivities. The variety is impressive: old time games, a Best Berry Pie Contest, and Wings Aerial Acrobats. Savor the delights of classic fair food and amusement rides. Of course, there are lots of animals.

Students get to show their prize pigs, horses, sheep, rabbits, and other animals. Their hard work is evidenced in well-groomed animals, tidy pens, and informative posters. Amusement rides on the midway are sure to bring screams of laughter. See if you can win a prize in a game of skill or chance. The littlest ones can have their first pony ride. Stroll through the exhibit booths to admire quilts or cast a vote for your favorite photograph. Vendors will be selling clothing and knives, plus home and life improvements.

The entertainment stage features dancers, cloggers, stilt walkers Vuelta La Luna Variety Circus, and returning favorites like Professor Bamboozle. Check out Reptile Isle, the Grizzly Artwork Chainsaw Show and many more. Entrance to the fair includes all concerts.

Would a trip to the county fair be complete without a warm Fisher scone dripping in raspberry jam?! Hopefully not. Bring your appetite for a lineup of popular fair eats.

A Bargain At Any Price

You can purchase fair admission and parking passes ahead of time online.

General Hours

Wednesday and Thursday: 10am to 9pm Friday and Saturday: 10am to 10pm Sunday: 10am to 8pm

Carnival ride tickets must be purchased at the fair during carnival hours for sameday use. The rides operate 11am to 11pm Wednesday through Saturday and 11am to 8pm on Sundays.

One-Buck Wednesday: Your dollar and a non-perishable food item will support The Thurston County Food Bank Can Hunger program.

Kid’s Day Thursday: Fourteen and under only $2.00.

Military Appreciation Day on Friday: $2.00 with military ID.

Parking is $5.00 at the fairgrounds. Alternatively, attendees can park at the Bus Barn or Woodland Elementary School where a FREE shuttle bus will drop you off at the fair.

So listen to Billy Goat! The Thurston County Fair is one of the best parts of summer.

v MARY ELLEN PSALTIS

For Additional Information

Thurston County Fair thurstoncountywa.gov/2023-thurston-county-fair-july-26-30