PORT TOWNSEND — The Jeffco Expo’s demolition derbies, dirt drags, monster trucks and Big Purple Slide will be back this weekend at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds.
But the 15th annual Jeffco Expo could be the last.
“This is a lot of work and is really not a big money maker,” said Sue McIntire, who manages the fairgrounds along with her husband, fair board President Bill McIntire.
“If it doesn’t go big this year, it could go away.”
The Jeffco Expo will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds at 4907 Landes St., Port Townsend.
Admission is $5 on Saturday and $8 on Sunday for all those 12 and older. Children 11 and younger and active military with current identification will be admitted free of charge.
All activities are free with gate admission.
About 2,000 people attended last year’s expo, Sue McIntire said.
She said that if people want the expo to continue, they need to show their support.
“If people want these events to continue, they need to come out, whether they are participating or if they just come out to watch,” she said.
Last year’s expo pulled in about $6,000, less than hopes and projections, she said.
“I can net $3,000 for the garage sale [held annually in March], and it’s a lot less work,” McIntire said.
“We get a lot of volunteers for the event, but all the preparation is done by four people.”
Saturday events
Registration for Saturday’s Car and Bike Show is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by judging from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ballots can be picked up and dropped off at the information booth, fair office and red-hot raffle area.
At 4 p.m., awards will be presented by the 2015 Rhododendron Royalty.
Saturday’s special events will include the dirt drags, tough truck competition and rollover contest.
Sunday’s schedule includes the stars of the show: two demolition derbies, one for adults and one for youngsters between 10 and 15 years old.
Check-in for both days begins at 8 a.m., with the events beginning at 11 a.m.
The Saturday event fee is $40. Sunday costs $50.
Pit passes on both days cost $20.
Both days
On both Saturday and Sunday, the expo will offer:
■ Monster truck rides.
■ The Big Purple Slide.
■ Kid’s Bingo — 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. in the Erickson Building dining room, with prizes awarded both days.
■ Dime toss and basketball game — Noon to 3 p.m. in the 4-H Building.
■ Garage sale — 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Cat Building.
■ Scavenger hunt for children.
■ Kids’ U-fish pond — For children 13 and younger accompanied by adults. Each child can keep one fish he or she pulls from the pond.
■ Fair Restaurant — 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with breakfast and lunch menus; also open during Groovy Bingo.
Tentative plans are in place for a miniature golf course.
“I’ve received a promise for this. I hope it comes through,” McIntire said.
Only service dogs are allowed on the grounds during the expo.
The Jeffco Expo is an annual dry run for the Jefferson County Fair.
It serves as a way to raise funds for the August fair while getting people out to the fairgrounds at the beginning of the season.
Expo proceeds support fairgrounds maintenance and repairs prior to the county fair, which will mark its 77th anniversary this year when it opens Aug. 14 for a three-day run.
For more information, see http://tinyurl.com/jeffersonexpo.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
