It’s August, otherwise known throughout America as County Fair Season!
My childhood memories from the fair where I grew up in rural Illinois are coated in sugar. Puffs of blue cotton candy, popsicles colored like the American flag, a plate of funnel cakes dusted with a heavy coat of sweet powder. Go to any county fair in America and a staple of decades-old culinary traditions like these will greet you and your sweet tooth.
Of course, some of the culinary delights of the American county fair have evolved. The strangely delicious corn dog has had to make room in the food vendor row for an odd array of items served to you fried on a stick, from twinkies to butter. That’s right – they serve deep-fried butter on a stick in Iowa. And deep-fried chocolate cheesecake on a stick in Colorado. California’s Sonoma County takes the concept high-brow by putting locally-grown artichoke hearts on a stick, dipping them in herby batter and frying them to a golden crunch.
The downside to eating fried, sugary foods for every meal at the county fair? No, it’s not the eye-popping calories. It’s that you have to try and keep it all down after a wild ride on The Scrambler. Not always possible, as I can attest.
From the best pig races to the crunchiest kettle corn, here are five great county fairs in Washington state that all take place over the next few weeks. Which is your favorite fair?
Four Great County Fairs in Oregon
Skagit County Fair
Mt. Vernon. August 9-12, 2023, 10am-10pm. Map.
“Here Comes the Fun!” at the “mane” event of the summer! The Skagit County Fair is set in the heart of one of Washington’s most fertile agricultural regions. Entertainment includes chicken races, a dog costume contest, spotted dairy cows that want you to hand-feed them grass, sheep and pigs, dogs that perform aerial tricks, archery, a performing circus, fluffy balls of cotton candy, deep-fried twinkies on a stick, funnel cakes (YUM), corn dogs, fun carnival rides (YES there’s a Ferris wheel!), live music including lots of bluegrass, magic shows and juggling!
Admission: Weds/Thurs: admission is $10. Fri/Sat: $13 for adults and $11 for seniors and youth. Kids 5 and under always FREE. Contact: (360) 416-1350.
Jefferson County Fair
Pt. Townsend. August 11-13, 2023, 10am-8pm (6pm Sunday). Map.
The Jefferson County Fair kicks off Friday August 11 in Port Townsend. This beloved fair is all about celebrating the accomplishments of its citizens ranging from agriculture to music to crafts. Come dressed for the farm–fun agri-attractions include mud drags, a llama show, and horse pulls. Livestock like sheep and swine are joined by rabbits, dogs and other domestic animals for competitions through the 4-H. Kids will enjoy crafts, bingo and a lego contest. Bring your appetite of course – there’s a beef BBQ on Sunday. Make it a whole weekend by camping at the fairgrounds.
Admission: Adults $8, students and seniors $6, children $2, ages 5 and under FREE. Contact: (360) 385-1013.
Grays Harbor County Fair
Elma. August 2-5, 2023. 10am-10pm (11pm Sat). Map.
Come to Elma for a hefty dose of rural nostalgia and make some great memories! This popular community fair features dozens of carnival rides and games, animal exhibits and contests, a variety of fair food (pulled pork, deep-fried oreos, funnel cakes–ok now we’re hungry!), car races, floral displays and lots of live music.
Admission: $10 for adults and $7 for seniors and youth. Kids 5 and under FREE. Contact: (360) 482-2651
Thurston County Fair
Lacey. July 26-30, 2023, 10am-10pm (8pm Sunday).
How tasty is your berry pie? Enter your best – prizes awarded for the most delicious. Other fun festivities at the Thurston County Fair include watermelon-eating and hula hooping contests, a carnival with rides, blossom viewing, live music, plenty of food and so much more.
Admission: $7 for adults and $6/$5 for seniors and youth. Kids 5 and under FREE. Contact: (360) 786-5453.
Kitsap County Fair and Rodeo
Bremerton. August 23-27, 2023, 10am-9pm (6pm Sunday). Map.
Cruise into the future with us! Git yer deep fried oreos and curly fries! Cool events at the Kitsap County Fair this year include lumberjack contests, hay scrambles, pie-eating contests and diaper derbies. Food vendors will serve up tacos and pierogies, and along with live rock n’ roll expect performers like fire-eaters, jugglers and magicians. Sounds like American country heaven.
Admission: $10 for adults, $5 for kids an seniors. Contact: (360) 337-5350
