PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County Fair kicks off its 68th event today.
With hundreds of open class, 4-H and Future Farmers of America entries scattered around Jefferson Fairgrounds, the fair stands to attract thousands more county residents despite the weekend construction closure of Hood Canal Bridge.
“If county residents come to the fair, we’ll be fine,” said Sue McIntire, the Fair Board’s treasurer who has been active with the event for 12 years and grew up as a fair 4-H participant.
McIntire was confident that attendance would meet or beat last year’s 17,500 total.
2,800 entries
Kristi Covell, the fair’s entry superintendent, said the event features about 1,500 open class entries and 1,300 4-H and FFA entries this year.
McIntire said Thursday that things were “pretty crazy” with vendors and others making last-minute preparations.
Special events in this year’s fair include a performance by Washington’s own 1960s band, The Kingsmen, who made the reggae song “Louie, Louie” a rock ‘n’ roll classic. They perform at 6 p.m. Saturday on the Main Stage.
New to the fair this year is “First Contact,” an historical program based on American explorers Lewis and Clark’s first meeting with Northwest Native Americans.
The program features Gary Lentz as Corps of Discovery member Sgt. Patrick Gass. He performs at 11:30 a.m. on the Yesteryear Stage.
This year’s fair theme is “On the Trail with Lewis and Clark.”
Lewis & Clark color guard
A color guard depiction from the Lewis and Clark era will raise the flag every morning of the fair.
Other performances include Tony & the Tigers at 7:30 p.m. Friday on the Small Stage and singer Stephanie Michals at 3 p.m. Sunday on the Small Stage.
Horse barrel racing, cow milking, tractor pulls, an illusionary road show and fast track chicken also fill the fair bill.
Fair admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students and $1 for children ages 7-12. Kids younger than 6 get in free.
