PORT TOWNSEND — As it celebrates its 75th edition this weekend, the Jefferson County Fair continues its reputation as one of the summer’s best local events.
The 75th fair opens today and continues through Sunday at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 4907 Landes St.
Fair hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
General admission tickets are $6, with tickets $5 for seniors older than 65 and students from 13 to 17 and $2 for children 6 to 12.
Children younger than 5 get in free.
“This is a great place with good food that you can’t get anywhere else,” said Sue McIntire, fair office manager.
“There is awesome entertainment — and it’s a good place for families to go where they can spend the whole day and not worry about anything.
“You can come here and see Magic Carpet Ride for the price of a fair ticket and be entertained for 90 minutes.
“Anywhere else that would be a $40 ticket.
“There are also lots of crafts, where people can see different things and get ideas about what they might want to do.”
Bill McIntire, Sue’s husband and Fair Board president, is proud of the lineup, too.
“We have lots of great entertainment,” he said.
Fair attendees can enjoy a birthday celebration each day at the fair’s dining room.
At 2:30 p.m. today, there will be a hot dog party with free hot dogs as long as the supplies last.
At 2:30 p.m. Saturday, free ice cream and balloons will be given out, and a cake party will take place at 10:15 a.m. Sunday.
Bill McIntire, who has served in his position for 10 years, said the success of the fair is attributable to “a series of really great fair managers” who have built upon the success of their predecessors.
His goal is to rehabilitate many of the 18 buildings that have fallen into disrepair, and he is seeking grant money and contributions to accomplish this.
Bill McIntire said he expects about 13,000 attendees this weekend, about the same as last year but less than the peak years before 2008 which drew more than 15,000.
He attributes the lower numbers to the economy as well as increased competition for the family entertainment dollar.
One of the main family events is the WA Draft Horse Pulls, which begin at 3:30 p.m. Saturday on the Main Stage.
Another popular event is Barrel Racing, which takes place in the Horse Arena at 11:30 a.m. Sunday.
Several children’s activities are planned, with Rubber Ducky Races taking place from noon to 6 p.m. today and Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday in the Small Animal Barn.
The Greatest Kids Show on Dirt is scheduled five times daily at the end of the asphalt, with a Duct Tape Workshop at 6 p.m. Saturday and a Lego Contest at 11 a.m. Sunday, both in the Home Arts Building.
The headlining musical event is a performance by the band Magic Carpet Ride, which is descended from the prominent 1960s group Steppenwolf.
Their show begins at 1 p.m. Saturday on the Small Stage.
Other performers include Brian “Buck” Ellard and Brad Jefferson at 10 a.m. Sunday, Ranger & the Re-Arrangers at 3 p.m. Sunday and the Dukes of Dabob at 5 p.m. Saturday, all on the Small Stage.
Ventriloquist Jerry Breeden, a fair favorite, will performs at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday on the Small Stage.
Two barbecues are scheduled: salmon for $10 from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and beef for $8 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, both in the picnic area.
For a more detailed description of events, visit www.jeffcofairgrounds.com or phone 360-385-1013.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
