Fair Fun Up Crowd Size Down But Still A Big Success

If you attended the Central Washington State Fair this year you joined 228,792 of your friends and neighbors who enjoyed a host of good food, agricultural displays and fun in the midway.

THAT DARN WEATHER KEPT SOME PEOPLE FROM ATTENDING THE FUN

Even though thousands had lots of fun at the annual event the fair saw an
8% decrease in attendance when compared to 2022 according to Kathy Kramer the President and CEO of Yakima's State Fair Park.
“We were impacted several days of the Fair by rain and cold temperatures. Despite the weather, we were pleased to see that when we did have sunny days, the community came out to enjoy and support the Fair.”

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MANY OF THE SHOWS WERE SOLD OUT

Two shows in the Toyota Main Stage Concert Series were sold out: Jeremy Camp and 38 Special. Kramer says other popular shows were found at the Coca-Cola Grandstand - Monster Trucks and Broncs, Barrels, and Bulls. She says several of those shows sold out as well.

DESPITE THE SMALLER CROWD THE FAIR WAS A BIG WINNER

The Central Washington State Fair was a winner this year. Kramer says a representative of the Washington State Fair Commission evaluated the fair this year and awarded two “Commissioner Awards.” A press release says one of the awards was for the STEAM Building and another for the newly created area “Celebrate the Valley." That area featured educational exhibits, activities, and stage performances showing off the diversity of the Yakima valley.

DID YOU SUGGEST A NAME FOR THE APPLE AND COW MASCOTS?

Many people suggested names for two new mascots this year, an Apple and a Cow. A contest was held and the new mascot names are now official;
Apple Jack is the official name of the Fair’s apple mascot and Mootilda is the official name of the Fair’s cow mascot. The two mascots will serve as Fair ambassadors. Kramer says the apple and cow were selected to highlight the top commodities produced in the Yakima valley.

SOME FUN FAIR FACTS:

· 14,576 Corn Dogs

· 14,364 Kurly Frys - (over 51,000 pounds of potatoes)

· 11,893 Elephant Ears

· New food item: Krispy Kreme Burgers - 3rd best seller for vendor

· New food item: Pickle Pizza - 45% of all pizza sales for vendor

· 1,931 fairgoers received Free Fair Admission by donating school supplies

· 1,462 students participated in the Fair’s school tour days

· 2,500 free books distributed during school tour days in STEAM Building

· 8,000 dog tags were made by kids at the AJAC booth in the STEAM Building