Thurston County Fair opens today

Posted

The Thurston Board of County Commissioners has officially proclaimed July 31 through August 4, 2024, as "Thurston County Fair Weekend," encouraging all residents to participate in and recognize the annual event.

“As you all know, our fair is a beloved event in our community. It is an agricultural showcase and celebrates the hard work of artists, gardeners, performers, and of course, youth,” said Thurston County Fair Manager Thomasina Cooper.

The five-day fair’s tagline is "Buzz on Down" to the 2024 Thurston County Fair and is expected to attract around 25,000 attendees.

"Our fair is a beloved event in our community. It is an agricultural showcase and celebrates the hard work of artists, gardeners, performers, and, of course, youth who work with various animals on their 4-H and FFA projects," said Cooper.

The fair features carnival rides, games, baking contests, shopping, learning, and the commissioners’ “pancake breakfast” which will feature buckwheat pancakes made entirely within Thurston County in collaboration with WSU Extension.

“It is a great time to come to the fair and celebrate the good things that Thurston County has to offer," Cooper said.

Cooper also acknowledged the efforts of the Fair Board volunteers, particularly Marin Gadman and Lindsay Lyons, stating that their hard work is crucial to the fair’s success.

"They are a highly engaged and active group of individuals, and it's only because of them that our fair continues to be so successful," Cooper added.

In a proclamation, the board highlighted the unwavering support and appreciation that the citizens of Thurston County have demonstrated over the years.

The proclamation emphasized the fair’s role in providing a platform for education and entertainment, fostering a strong sense of community, and promoting agricultural education among the youth.

The proclamation read, “The Thurston County Fair has grown to become an integral part of the community, providing a platform for education and entertainment and fostering a strong sense of togetherness.”

Thurston’s Population Health Program Manager Alicia Hughes attended the Board of County Commissioners public meeting on July 30 to ask for the approval of the Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with Capital Region Educational Service District (ESD) 113 to implement the Youth Tobacco Prevention Program.
Thurston’s Population Health Program Manager Alicia Hughes attended the Board of County Commissioners public meeting on July 30 to ask for the …

Highlights

Spooner Berry Farms in Olympia will sponsor a “Berry Best Pie” contest. Interested contestants must bring their 8” or 9” berry pie to the Expo Center on Saturday, August 3. Contest rules are written on Spooner’s social media page.

Other scheduled baking contests are the Chocolate Cake Contest on Thursday, August 1; the Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest on Friday, August 2; and the Cupcake Contest on Sunday, August 4.

Carpentry buffs will enjoy the 3rd Annual Chainsaw Carving Competition, featuring live chainsaw sculpting on August 2, 3, and 4.

Entertainment activities include a daily cornhole game, an archery contest, and a dog obstacle course.

4-H scheduled several activities like the Animal Olympic-style competition and the Dapper Sheep Contest.

Daily Schedule

The fair’s activities are spread out over an entire day throughout the week. The daily schedule below shows specific activities and events.

Know more about the Thurston County Fair 2024 in The JOLT calendar.

The Thurston County Board of Commissioners posed for a photo with the Thurston County Fair 2024 organizers during its public meeting on July 30, 2024.
The Thurston County Board of Commissioners posed for a photo with the Thurston County Fair 2024 organizers during its public meeting on July 30, …

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here