New events and old favorites attracted good crowds to 143rd fair
The Thurston County Fair was once again a sizzling summer hit in its 143rd year with a total of 36,700 people enjoying fun for the whole herd between July 30 and August 3. That’s up from 33,500 attendees in 2013 and 28,800 in 2012—nearly 8,000 more attendees in just two years.
The 2014 fair showcased all of the traditional fair favorites—animals, agricultural exhibits, sweet treats and savory snacks. The Live and Local Concert Series and the Savor South Sound beverage tasting events also were back for their second year with some new vendors and some new performers. And new to the fair this year was the Rescue Pet Round Up event, bringing fresh faces to a community event that reaches back to 1871.
“So many staff and volunteers work tirelessly all year long to make the fair a success. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s fair successful and so much fun”,said Thurston County Commission Chair Karen Valenzuela.
“I was particularly pleased with the Savor South Sound event this year. It was great to see so many of our local brewers, vintners and cider-makers and taste what they have to offer. It’s a great showcase for our local agriculture.County fairs like this are a lot of fun, but they also play a critical role in promoting local economic development and local agriculture,” said Commission Vice Chair Sandra Romero.
“Many thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s event special, and a special thank you to the 400-plus of the youth who worked so hard on the projects and displays that made the fair fun and educational.I always enjoy visiting the fair, and particularly the opportunity to meet so many fair volunteers at the Commissioners’ annual pancake breakfast. It’s our way of thanking them for all of their hard work to make the fair so much fun for the community,” said Commissioner Cathy Wolfe. “I want to thank all of the sponsors who recognize the value of this event and who helped make this another great community celebration.”
Join us at the Thurston County Fairgrounds for the Holiday Bazaar in November, Secondhand Safari on May 2, 2015 and for the 2015 Thurston County Fair July 29 through August 2. For more details about these events, facility rentals, and other events and occasions at the ThurstonCounty Fairgrounds throughout the year, contact the Fair Office at (360) 786-5453 or visit www.ThurstonCountyFair.org
