King County Fair Set for July 7 to July 10

The 149th year of the King County Fair will take place this July 7 through July 10 at the thanks to an agreement between the city of Enumclaw and Universal Fairs, a Tennessee-based fair and festival production company that was signed this week, a city press release said.

Founded in 1863, the King County Fair is the oldest county fair west of the Mississippi River. The fair this year represents a collaboration between the city of Enumclaw, King County, and Washington State University Extension's 4-H Youth Development Program. 

Expo Center Manager Kristen Damazio said the King County Fair will be the first local fair of the season and will showcase its historic roots with carnival rides, midway games, entertainment, 4-H, exhibitors, tractor pulls, lawnmower races, delicious food, and more. 

"The success and future of the King County Fair depends on all of us," Damazio said. "Whether you bring your family and friends out for a day or the whole weekend, your support will ensure that together, we can continue the tradition."

The fair will continue under the name 'King County Fair' thanks to an agreement with the county. County Executive Down Constantine said the county was happy to allow use of the King County Fair name and logo. "I congratulate the city of Enumclaw for finding a creative way to preserve this wonderful King County tradition," he said. "I am pleased that the sights and sounds of the fair will be present in Enumclaw this summer, just as they have been for nearly 150 years."

The county transferred the fair to Enumclaw in 2009 due to budget constraints.

Brad Gaolach, director for WSU Extension in King and Pierce counties similarly applauds the city's commitment to youth. "The King County Fair is the county-qualifying event for 4-H youth, allowing them to represent King County at the Washington State Fair," he said. "More importantly, it is an opportunity for youth to celebrate their hard work, demonstrate their subject knowledge and enthusiasm by talking with fair goers about their projects, and inspire other youth to pursue their own interests in science, arts and service to their community."