Summer has been missing something huge these past two years. The Thurston County Fair is the pinnacle event each summer and it’s finally back and open to the public after two years off due to COVID restrictions. And what a year to be back, as they welcome everyone to come and celebrate 150 years! To make sure everyone can attend, they have daily admission specials and discounts, along with free parking and shuttles. It’s all happening at the Thurston County Fairgrounds July 27-31.
“We just want to welcome everyone back, we are so excited to be having the Fair once again,” shares Theresa Reid, who does marketing for the Thurston County Fair.
If you have never been to a county fair, you are missing out. It’s not like any other fair or festival. What makes it so special are the exhibitors—including commercial, open, 4-H and FFA kids—that have put their heart and soul into their projects for the last year. They are excited and ready to show them to you. “Fairs are the biggest classroom in the country because you can learn about things from a life that’s different from the one you lead,” shares Theresa. “So if you are from the city, you can learn how agriculture works, for example.” The fair has exhibits from kids and adults in everything from cavies—that’s a guinea pig—to STEM projects, and everything in between.
“You will always find something new at the fair to admire or to spark your interest in learning more about,” continues Theresa. See incredible handmade quilts, stunning photography, beautiful artwork, fresh, prize-winning produce and more. Maybe you will be inspired to pick up a new hobby, or buy something from a local artist or farmer.
And that’s just the start! There is more family-friendly fun for everyone, from carnival games, music and of course—maybe the best part—fair food!
Thurston County Fair Schedule Highlights
With so much happening, you’ll want to attend the fair every day! It all starts on Wednesday, July 27, with One-Buck Wednesday. Admission to the fair is just $1 with a non-perishable food donation to the Thurston County Food Bank. Stay the whole day for the Opening Ceremony at 6 p.m., where they will hand out the vendor awards and awards for the best flower bed display. The grand finale will be the annual competition between city officials. This year, they will be decorating cupcakes! It’s a lot of fun you won’t want to miss.
Thursday, July 28 and Friday, July 29 you will want to stay all day and into the evening, where the Battle of the Bands will take place. Each night, a winner will be chosen who will then compete on Saturday night for the final battle.
Saturday, July 30, come early for free pancakes! That’s right, the Pancake Breakfast is back and you won’t want to miss this fun event. From 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., the county commissioners will serve up pancakes, juice and coffee for free to attendees. “The county commissioners pay for it out of their own pockets, not county money, but their pockets, for the community to have a free pancake breakfast,” shares Theresa. Then, stay for the Thurston County Youth Market Animal Sale at 6 p.m. The auction raises money that goes directly to the 4-Hers and FFA members that have raised their animals themselves. Many use the money for college savings, or to invest back into next year’s project.
On Sunday, July 31, the Thurston County Fair is having their Thurston Throwback displays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Historical groups from around the county will have interactive displays in the Hicks Lake Barn. For example, last year, when the Fair was only open to exhibitors, they had a ropemaking exhibit where you could learn to make a rope, and a communication display will all kinds of telephones and other historical communication devices.
Every day of the fair, treat the family to carnival games and entertainment! This year they will have some old-time games including corn hole, egg on spoon races, eating contests, sack races, a chainsaw carving competition and more. Grizzly Artwork will be there all five days of the fair showing off their chainsaw carving talent while you watch. The carving competition will happen Friday to Sunday with up to 10 carvings working. There will be demonstrations and exhibitions, including local high school equestrian teams! Professor Bamboozle will be there every day doing his magic act. And be sure to check out Reptile Isle, who will be showcasing the Ring of Torti and other incredible creatures.
In between all the exhibits, entertainment and contests, you’ll want to fill your belly with the tastes of the fair. It’s just not summer until you’ve had a Fischer’s scone and a freshly made burger, followed by a fried-something. My husband’s personal favorite are the deep-fried Oreos.
Thurston County Fair Admission and Parking Information
Tickets for the Thurston County are for sale online now! Purchase season passes and save money, or attend a discount day:
- Wednesday, July 27: $1 admission with food donations
- Thursday, July 28: Kid’s Day, children under 14 years old are $2
- Friday, July 29: Military Appreciation Day, those with military ID are $2
“We know prices are high and people’s pocketbooks can be hit hard, but we want to make sure as many people who want to, can come to the fair,” shares Theresa. You can park at the fairgrounds for $5, but there is also free parking at Woodland Elementary School or North Thurston Public School (NTPS) Bus Barn. You then take a free shuttle, driven by NTPS bus drivers volunteering their time, right to the front gate. “We would really love to thank all our volunteers,” she adds. “The Fair just won’t be possible without them.”
Summer is fleeting in the Pacific Northwest. Make the most of it with family and friends at the Thurston County Fair, where you will make memories that will last forever. Find more details at the Thurston County Fair webpage.
Cheers to 150 Years!
Thurston County Fair
July 27-31, 2022
Thurston County Fairgrounds
Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Carnival Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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