Keep cool: Come to the King County Fair

Superbowl QB Matt Hasselbeck will meet fairgoers Saturday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The 144th annual King County Fair in Enumclaw hits its stride this weekend with non-stop live entertainment, great food and plenty of activities for the whole family.

Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who led his team to the Superbowl last season, will be greeting fairgoers tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hasselbeck will join the fun at the King County Parks and Recreation Children's Corner where a number of kids' activities are scheduled.

Other fair attractions on Saturday include monster truck rides in the rodeo arena, plus non-stop entertainment on three stages.
Sunday's lineup includes the fair's first demolition derby and rollover competition, scheduled for 6 p.m. at the rodeo arena. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children and seniors. Sunday fair admission is included with ticket purchase.

King County Fairgrounds Manager Sharon Roberts reminds fairgoers that there are a number of ways to beat the heat at the fair.

"We have lots of green grass and shady trees, misters and an air-conditioned exhibit hall," said Fairgrounds manager Sharon Roberts. "A number of vendors are offering snow cones, ice cream and other cool treats, plus $1 root beer floats and a beer garden."

Roberts said attendance for the first two days of the fair is up significantly over the first two days of the 2005 edition. Through Thursday, more than 16,700 people walked through the turnstiles, compared to about 13,900 people during the first two days of the fair's run in 2005.

General admission prices for the fair are $8 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12, and $6 for seniors 62 and over. Access to all entertainment shows except the demolition derby and rollover competition is included with the price of admission.

Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.metrokc.gov/parks/fair/ or call the King County Fairgrounds at 206-296-8888.