With its candy-soaked carnival, lasso-roping rodeo, live music, agricultural displays and a whole lot more, there’s a lot happening at this year’s Clallam County Fair. Good thing you have four days to take it all in!
Under the Country Nights & Carnival Lights theme, the fair runs Aug. 17 to 20 at Clallam County Fairgrounds, located at 1608 W 16th St, Port Angeles, Wash.
Fair manager Shari Ioffrida, who’s been involved with the Clallam County Fair for 18 years, says this year’s fair will be better than ever, with some new features and plenty of fun. “It’s like a big family reunion – we’ll welcome about 30,000 people over the four days.”
In addition to the carnival, demolition derby, rodeo, logger sports and entertainment, traditional favorites like 4H animal exhibits and the agricultural, crafting and arts displays delight visitors.
“Agriculture is really important in our county so it’s a really good opportunity for people to show what they’ve grown and made,” Ioffrida explains, noting the rodeo, music and logging show are all included with admission.
Here’s what else you need to know to plan your days at the fair!
- In the rodeo ring: New this year, the rodeo takes place Friday and Saturday and will include all-new events and bigger prize payouts, alongside audience favorites like bull riding, barrel racing and rodeo clowns. For those 21 and older, don’t miss the limited Beer Garden which welcomes guests an hour before the rodeo starts: from 6 p.m. Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday.
- Time for logger sports: Competitions include ax throwing, wood chopping and the “Ma and Pa Buck” – a husband-and-wife sawing competition.“The logging show is going to be huge this year,” Ioffrida says. “We have a lot of people coming from different areas, including British Columbia, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Washington.”
- On stage: Hear Aerosmith tribute band Sweet Emotion, plus Stormrider, a tribute band to The Doors, and the country-rock James Howard Band on the main stage, with a variety of other entertainers on The Sunny Farms stage.
- Enjoy a wild ride: Expect more rides and vendors at this year’s carnival. The easiest way to join the fun? Skip the line and purchase a $30 all-you-can-ride wristband. The carnival opens at noon and runs until 9 pm, except on Sunday when it closes at 7 pm.
- Come hungry: Food options include burgers, street tacos, gyros, elephant ears, scones and more!
- Demo day: The demolition derby rounds out the weekend Sunday at 4 p.m. “They crash cars and people love it – it sells out every year!” Ioffrida says.
Plan your visit
Gates open at 8:30 a.m. daily, with the agricultural buildings opening at 9 a.m. and the carnival at noon. Admission is cash-only at the gates but ATM’s are located near the fair office and yellow gate entrance.
- Opening day is Kids’ Day – free for children age 12 and younger. Regular admission is:
- Adult admission – $10
- Youth (13 to 17) and seniors – $8 (free for those 80+)
- Children (6 to 12) – $7 (free for those younger than five)
- Military and veterans – $7
Find more information and pass options here.
