Since 1909, one event has been the pinnacle of summer fun in Lewis County. This year, celebrate the history, the agricultural bounty, and over a century of great memories at the 110th annual Southwest Washington Fair.
The Fair is known for great entertainment, wonderful food, wild rides, interesting displays and high-quality show animals. “We invite the community to come and support the Fair, the local kids and our agricultural community,” says Kelly Sneed, Southwest Washington Fair administrative assistant. “It’s one of the last agricultural fairs in the area. The kids with FFA and 4-H are thrilled to educate people on what they are doing. It’s an exciting time.”
This year’s theme is “Happy as a Hen – Come Celebrate 110” and there’s no reason not to join in on the fun – Twin Transit will get you there for FREE all week long. “The people and businesses that put on the fair bring economic development to our community,” says Twin Transit Director Joe Clark. “We want to support them in their efforts.”
“That’s amazing and so wonderful,” says Sneed. “It is great to partner with local businesses and it’s really great when they can give back. We truly appreciate Twin Transit.”
Twin Transit will also be at the Fair all week long with their newest bus, some cool swag and more. Stop by and play a game of corn hole for a chance to win free bus passes or even a free grill!
There are so many fun things to do at the fair, it’s hard to know where to begin. Here is a list of daily highlights to get you started:
Tuesday, August 13
Bring the family for Kids Day! Children ages 6 to 12 get in for half price. The party starts at 10:30 a.m. with the Opening Ceremonies Fair Parade in the midway.
Don’t miss the Kids’ Corner with fun stuff for the little ones all day long. At 5:00 p.m. check out the Heritage Kung Fu demonstration on the community stage. Then hit the Grandstand for Demolition Derby excitement at 7:00 p.m.
Catch newcomers Dakota Robbins at 7:00 p.m. and Kynan Shane at 8:00 p.m. on the Community Stage. See TV’s The Voice star Ericka Corban live on the Saloon Stage at 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, August 14
Celebrate Senior Day at the Fair with half-price admission for ages 60 and up. Peruse the booths and get a thrill on the rides.
At 6:00 p.m. the Saloon Stage sees Southwest Washington Dance Center in motion. Hear Sounds of Swing Orchestra on the Community Stage or see Super Stock Outlaw Lawn Mover Races at the Grandstand – both at 7:00 p.m. For a fun blast from the past, check out Hi Tide’s tribute to surf music and The Beach Boys on the Saloon Stage at 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, August 15
The third day of the fair is Grange Day. The Community Events Building hosts machine and embroidery demos from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Christmas stitchery and pillowcase demos from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Hear Washington Old Time Fiddlers on the Community Stage at 11:00 a.m. Don’t miss Tanglefoot Cloggers at 6:00 p.m. and the 4-H Consumer Review at 7:00 p.m.
Even the tiniest fair-goers can get in on the fun at the Diaper Derby on the South Stage. Sign-ups are at 11:00 a.m. and the race begins at noon. Race your baby to great prizes or watch for a mid-day break with loads of laughs.
The Saloon Stage is hot with singer Jaden Swanger at 6:00 p.m. and Megs McLean at 7:30 and 9:00 p.m. Enjoy 50s tributes with Chris Guenther’s “The Day the Music Lived” at 8:30 p.m. on the Community Stage.
Friday, August 16
It’s Military Appreciation Day! Receive admission discounts with military identification.
Bring the kids to “Plant a Shoe” in the Floral and Agricultural Building from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Community Stage is hopping at 2:00 p.m. with Slieveloughane Irish Dancers.
For a real thrill, enjoy the 6:00 p.m. cage fights in the Grandstand. For a rocking good time, hit the Saloon Stage at 8:30 p.m. for the 2017 Independent Josie Music Awards “Male Entertainer of the Year,” Cort Carpenter.
Saturday, August 17
The weekend starts with Royalty Day. Saturday night is especially packed with fun. At 6:00 p.m. the Grandstand sees the Rodeo and Wild Horse Race. At 7:00 p.m. the Community Stage is the set for the Lucky No. 3 Tattoo sideshow and contest.
The Saloon Stage host Patrimony, a Pat Benetar tribute. Stick around for the 8:30 p.m. Zepparella concert, an all-female Led Zeppelin tribute band. End the evening with The Forgotten 45’s on the Community Stage at 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 18
The final day of the fair is Family Day with half-price admission at the gate for all ages. At noon, see the last Demolition Derby at the Grandstand. Then Wenatchee Youth Circus performs a 90-minute finale show at 3:00 p.m. in the field behind the fair office.
KACS 90.5 Family Day Concerts include Sanctus Real on the Saloon Stage at 3:00 p.m. and Mac Powell & Family Reunion at 5:00 p.m.
Each day of the fair is packed full of family-friendly fun. Plus, you can access it all without the hassle or cost of driving and parking. Simply hop on Twin Transit fare-free system-wide. You’ll be enjoying all the Fair fun before you know it!
