PORT TOWNSEND — “We’re not commercial; we’re community.”
That’s what distinguishes Jefferson County’s fair from others across the state, fair association Treasurer Sue McIntire said.
The 80th annual three-day fair, which begins today at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds at 4907 Landes St., Port Townsend, brought McIntire to tears during a speech to the Washington State Fairs Association in October.
“Fairs are emotional,” she said. “It hits the heart — the memories.”
McIntire has helped organize the fair since 1994, but memories of county fairs and 4-H shows go back to her infancy. She kicked up her first fairground dirt at 6 months old. Now, her grandchildren do the same.
Many of the fair association officers, 4-H judges and longtime attendees share in this family-entangled fair experience.
“Fair gets in your blood, and you can’t get rid of it,” McIntire said, laughing.
Super attractions
The superhero-themed fair starts today with 4-H shows, exhibits in the small-animal barn, arts and crafts, live entertainment, horse shows, archery, fiber arts, gardening, home arts, canning and goat milking demonstrations.
The grounds are open today and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tickets are $8 for adults (ages 18-64), $6 for seniors (65 and older), $6 for students (13-17) and $2 for children (6-12). Children 5 and younger are admitted free. All active military and family receive a $1 discount off regular gate admission with current ID.
Parking is free.
It’s too late to purchase three-day pre-season tickets, but pre-sale single-day tickets for $5 each can be purchased until today at 10 p.m. A single day ticket can be used any day of the fair.
In previous years, some fairgoers have attempted to see every event, demonstration and show over the three days. It can’t be done, a determined attendee told McIntire. She tried.
This year, you might even need reading glasses to get a good look at the fair schedule.
McIntire said she’s had to make the font smaller to accommodate all the events going on today through Sunday.
The most well-attended events usually include the barrel races at 10 a.m. Sunday and 4-by-4 mud drags at 11 a.m. Sunday.
New this year will be a lawn mower demolition derby at 7 p.m. Saturday, which likely will draw folks by curiosity, she said.
Also at the main stage and horse arena, draft horse pulls start at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, breakaway roping occurs at 1 p.m. Sunday and team roping will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
To go with the theme, kids can make their own superhero masks and capes in the art building or snap photos in superhero gear at “supertastic” photo booths.
A “Who is Your Hero” contest allows entrants, 2 years and older, to write about their favorite heroes, complete with a photo or hand-drawn rendering. The completed works will be hung in the dining room.
Super eats
Savory fair food will include Mexican dishes, teriyaki, Greek food, hot dogs and breakfast all day. Sweet treats will be plentiful with espresso, ice cream, shaved ice, elephant ears, funnel cakes and kettle corn.
The fair’s annual barbecues are consistent fan favorites, McIntire said.
From noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jefferson Search and Rescue will grill salmon. A salmon meal costs $10. On Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Port Townsend Fire Department will barbecue beef. The beef meal costs $8.
Super entertainment
Today’s performers include acoustic pop and punk singer Rylei Franks at 11 a.m., the high school stars of the 2017 Washington State Nashville Country Star competition at 1 p.m., “Stars of Tomorrow” performer Alissa Jarvis at 5 p.m. and Americana group The Ryders Band at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, the lineup will feature variety musicians BellaJack at 10:30 a.m.; Stars of Tomorrow performer Emilia Nunn at 12:30 p.m.; country band The Nash Brothers at 12:30 p.m.; Stars of Tomorrow performers Sophia Breithaupt and Jessica Dowe at 3 p.m.; swing Dixie, jazz and blues band Dukes of Dabob at 4:30 p.m.; and Nashville Stars at 6 p.m.
The final day of the fair will include “country-western brand” Missy G Band at 11 a.m. and country Portland band Perry Gerber Band at 3 p.m.
Comedic magician Professor Bamboozle will be available all three days to entertain with grand illusion.
Visitors also can walk on water any day of their choice by climbing into a 6-foot-diameter, watertight plastic “water ball” and rolling around a pool of water. Times throughout the weekend will be 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. today and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Young people can entertain themselves and others in the “The Greatest Kids Show on Dirt,” which provides free mechanical bull rides by the track area today and Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., plus 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
For the full fair schedule, visit www.jeffcofairgrounds.com.
________
Reporter Sarah Sharp can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or at ssharp@peninsula dailynews.com.
