Family Fun Found at 2017 Grays Harbor County Fair

Did you miss last week’s Thurston County Fair? Don’t worry. It’s only a short jaunt to the Grays Harbor County Fair. You’ll find lots to do for kids of all ages at this year’s “Pig Tails & Country Trails” Grays Harbor County Fair, held at the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds in Elma. Why not pack up the kids and drive on over? The Fair runs August 9 through 13, 2017.

This year’s fair entertainment lineup features one of Billboard’s Top country artists on the Pepsi Stage: the 2016 CMA nominee Old Dominion. Reserved Golden Circle Seats for the August 9 concert, which includes fair admission, are now on sale (see website for details). However, there will be limited bleacher seats that are free with paid fair admission up for grabs.

Entertainment options include Portland’s Petty Fever—an award-winning Tom Petty tribute band (August 12); the a cappella group The Coats from Puyallup (August 10); and the locally popular Olsen Bros. Band from Olympia— (August 11). All bands are appearing on the Pepsi Stage. Seating for these shows is included with paid fair admission. And don’t forget the talent show featuring local acts on August 11.

Daily Delight: The award-winning comedian/magician Steve the Pretty Good performs daily. And on Sunday, August 13, musicians from Harbor area churches join together for an all-comer Christian Entertainment Service at 10:30 a.m. See full entertainment descriptions here.

The fair is even more fun when you get some yummy in your tummy with fabulous fair food. Don’t even try to resist the fair fare including shave ice, cotton candy, elephant ears, hand dipped corn dogs and even deep-fried Twinkies. And, there are traditional fair grilled onion burgers, fries, chicken, corn-on-the-cob, barbecue, fish and chips, Mexican and Asian foods and more. All kinds of unique and delicious food can be found. You’ll find concessions spread about the fairgrounds; there’s something just right for every taste.

Top Tasty Treat: Curley fries are a family-friendly favorite and filling, too. Wash ‘em down with a fresh, ice-cold lemonade.

Want to see some cute piglets, calves, lambs, bunnies and more? The Grays Harbor County Fair is just the place. Here you can have a conversation with the hard-working 4H and FFA kids who are showing their animals. They may even let you pet a few!

Miles of Smiles: Check out Muriel’s Petting Zoo or the exotic animal rescue and educational exhibition A Walk on the Wild Side.

How about some midway games and the carnival rides? How about seeing who’s brave enough to take on thrill rides like the tilt-a-whirl? For something a bit slower, and easier on the stomach, try going head to head with family members in the ring toss or balloon pop. A welcome midway bonus might be winning a giant teddy bear.

Carnival wristbands may be purchased at the Carnival Lot through the entire Fair and do not include Fair Admission. They’re only $27 during the fair, and include unlimited rides for the day of purchase. Carnival Ride Hours: Noon to 10:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday; and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday.

Hot Discount Deal: Pre-sale Discount Carnival Wristbands are available until August 7, 2017 at the Fairgrounds Office and the Montesano, Elma, and Aberdeen Anchor Bank branches. Pre-sale wristbands are just $22, which is a $5 savings.

Here’s just one more highlight (of which there are many as there’s a whole lot more to do at the fair than listed here): the wonderful exhibits and entries. You’ll find art and handcrafts, home-made and garden grown edibles (baked and canned goods), and other creations on display alongside informational exhibits from kids in Future Farmers of America and 4H, not to mention various scouting programs.

Keeping it Cool: Be sure stay hydrated and get into the shade from time to time. The exhibit hall has a brand new fan and ventilation system and is a great place to duck out of the sun while visiting a large variety of commercial venders and exhibitors.

The summer’s best value is The Grays Harbor County Fair. So, drive on over with your family and friends for a day full of fun, food and festivities August 9 through 13. Be sure and check out the family friendly discounts for Thursday and Sunday below.

Fair Hours:
Wednesday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Daily Fair Admission: Adults (age 16-62 years) ­– $10/day; Seniors (age 63+ years) and Youth (age 6-15 years) – $7/day; Children (age 5 years and under) – free.

Special Discounts: There is a Military Appreciation Discount of $2 off the daily fair admission (with Military ID) that lasts the entire five days of fair; and Thursday, Aug. 10 is Kids’ Day with an admission discount of $2 off for youth. Sunday, August 13 offers free admission from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. only. Sunday, August 13 is also Bi-Mart Day and offers $1 off Fair Admission (with Bi-Mart Card & Photo ID).

Daily Parking is $5 per vehicle. Season Parking (must be purchased prior to Fair Opening Day) is $20.

Camping on the grounds (now doesn’t that sound like family fun?) is $50 for the entire week of Fair. (Hook-ups are not guaranteed. Please see the camping rules/regulations PDF on the website.)

Sponsored