From animals to antiques, classic cars to karaoke, there’s something for everyone at this year’s Thurston County Fair.
“Every day of the fair is packed full of contests, concerts, events and more.” said Rick Storvick, Thurston County Fair Manager. “There are also a lot of activities made just for kids, so there’s no shortage of family fun at this year’s fair.”
New this year is the Antique Appraisals event on Friday, August 3, where fairgoers can bring up to three collectible items or antiques to be appraised. Professional appraiser George Higbey of Seattle will provide appraisals and information about your favorite piece of furniture, jewelry, collectible toys and more. No guns or stamps are allowed. While there is a limit of three items per person for each appraisal session, you can always get in line again with more! Appraisals are $5 per item. For example, three different pattern pieces of silver is a total of $15; a watch and chain counts as two items for at total of $10. The cost of evaluations is not part of fair admission. There will be ample seating for watching or waiting your turn in line just east of Heritage Hall, and tickets for evaluations can be bought at the site on the day of the event.
Other new events in 2012 include the Mobile Reptile Zoo, classic cars on display, exhibits by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marines on Military Appreciation Day, and many other new vendors, exhibits and displays.
Several activities will run all five days of this year’s fair, including:
• Bull Ride and Kids’ Bull Ride – GOT BULL Entertainment is providing two mechanical bulls to test your skills and strength. The kids’ size mechanical bull is free.
• Kids’ Tractor Pull – GOT BULL Entertainment will run the free Kids’ Tractor Pull each day at noon, 3 and 7 p.m.
• Mobile Reptile Zoo – The Oregon Reptile Man is bringing all things scaly and slithery for kids and adults to get an up close and personal with their favorite reptiles.
• Kids’ Tractor Pull – GOT BULL Entertainment will run the free Kids’ Tractor Pull each day at noon, 3 and 7 p.m.
• Mobile Reptile Zoo – The Oregon Reptile Man is bringing all things scaly and slithery for kids and adults to get an up close and personal with their favorite reptiles.
Other highlights from the list of this year’s events and entertainment:
August 1
• Slieveloughane Irish Dancers at 2 and 4 p.m.
• Welcoming Ceremony with Thurston County Commissioners at 6 p.m.
• Karaoke! from 7:30 – 9 p.m.
• Slieveloughane Irish Dancers at 2 and 4 p.m.
• Welcoming Ceremony with Thurston County Commissioners at 6 p.m.
• Karaoke! from 7:30 – 9 p.m.
August 2
• Rooster Crowing Contest at 10:30 a.m.
• Performance by Debbi’s Dance at 6 p.m.
• Music by Best F-Tigers Forever at 8 p.m.
• Rooster Crowing Contest at 10:30 a.m.
• Performance by Debbi’s Dance at 6 p.m.
• Music by Best F-Tigers Forever at 8 p.m.
August 3
• U.S. Army and U.S. Marines exhibits from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Horseless Carriage Car Club exhibit (pre-1932 cars) from 3 – 7 p.m.
• NEW for 2012! Antiques Appraisals: fairgoers can bring up to three antiques or collectibles per person between 4 and 7 p.m.
• State Champion Equine Drill Team at 7 p.m.
• Music by Mothrider at 8 p.m.
• Performance by Troupe Rashaad at 8:30 p.m.
• U.S. Army and U.S. Marines exhibits from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Horseless Carriage Car Club exhibit (pre-1932 cars) from 3 – 7 p.m.
• NEW for 2012! Antiques Appraisals: fairgoers can bring up to three antiques or collectibles per person between 4 and 7 p.m.
• State Champion Equine Drill Team at 7 p.m.
• Music by Mothrider at 8 p.m.
• Performance by Troupe Rashaad at 8:30 p.m.
August 4
• Corvette Car exhibit 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• 4-H Fashion Revue at 10 a.m.
• Youth Animal Market Sale with fresh beef, pork and other meats, starts at 5p.m.
• Music by young artists from Rhythm Fire School of Rock at 7 p.m.
• Corvette Car exhibit 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• 4-H Fashion Revue at 10 a.m.
• Youth Animal Market Sale with fresh beef, pork and other meats, starts at 5p.m.
• Music by young artists from Rhythm Fire School of Rock at 7 p.m.
August 5
• Equine Western Games start at 8 a.m.
• Dog Agility Trials with agility and “Nose Works” events at 9 a.m.
• Mustang Car exhibit 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Music by the Voetberg Family Band and David Harsh, sponsored by KACS 90.5, at 4 p.m.
• Equine Western Games start at 8 a.m.
• Dog Agility Trials with agility and “Nose Works” events at 9 a.m.
• Mustang Car exhibit 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Music by the Voetberg Family Band and David Harsh, sponsored by KACS 90.5, at 4 p.m.
For more information about these events and other fair entertainment, go to www.co.thurston.wa.us/fair and click on Entertainers.
The last day to purchase discount advance admission tickets in Tuesday, July 30. Visit www.co.thurston.wa.us/fair and click on Discount Ticket News for more information about discount tickets and locations.
For more information on these and events and entertainment, plus other 2012 Thurston County Fair information and news, visit www.co.thurston.wa.us/fair or contact the Thurston County Fair Office at (360) 786-5453.
