Live music, Midway rides and a demolition derby: King County Fair features great family entertainment

‘Dance to the Moo-sic’ at the oldest county fair West of the Mississippi, July 18-22

With non-stop live entertainment, fantastic new Midway rides, livestock and crafts displays, onion burgers, scones and all of the other things that make a county fair so much fun, the 145th annual King County Fair in Enumclaw has something for everyone in the family.

Set for July 18-22 at the Enumclaw Expo Center, formerly the King County Fairgrounds, the oldest county fair west of the Mississippi celebrates its historic country roots with livestock displays, 4-H contests, and traditional fair food, including onion burgers, fresh scones and ice cream.

Some of the featured performers at this year’s King County Fair include:

The Illusion of Johnny Cash, Back by popular demand, western Washington native Dan Whyms and his band cover Cash's career from its barnstorming, hard-drinking beginning to its deeply spiritual end. The show is set for Wednesday, July 18, from 8-9:30 p.m.

The Beatniks, performing an eclectic mix of upbeat rock-n-roll from the 60s, 70s and 80s, on Thursday, July 19 on the South Stage from 8-9:15 p.m. Opening for the Beatniks will be Sex & Violins, with a special guest appearance by KZOK Radio’s own Spike O’Neill.

Jonathan Harris, a Spanaway-based country singer who is making a name for himself beyond the Pacific Northwest. His set, Friday, July 20 on the South Stage from 8-9:30 p.m., will feature songs from his latest release, “Where Concrete Don’t Grow.”

The Dusty 45s, which include some of Seattle’s top roots/rockabilly musicians, were voted “Best of Seattle” by Seattle Weekly readers three years in a row, take to the South Stage on Saturday, July 21, from 8-9:30 p.m.

Hell’s Belles, the self-proclaimed “premier all-female AC/DC tribute act.” The band, which has performed hundreds of shows across the globe, pumps out its high-voltage entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 22 on the South Stage.

Other entertainment features at this year’s King County Fair are the famous racing pigs, with four exciting races each day; a kids’ tractor pull, where kids can use the power of their legs to pull trailers along a course; plus magicians, hypnotists, balloon artists and more.

This year’s King County Fair will end with a bang, courtesy of a car roll-over contest and demolition derby. Starting at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 22 with a roll-over competition where drivers will vie for the top prize of $300 for completing the rolls.

Once the dust settles and the top roll-over champ has been crowned, it’s time for the demolition derby – an all-out battle that promises plenty of metal-on-metal action. The lucky driver with the last car running takes home $1,000. More information, including entry forms, is available at http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/fair/derby.asp. Tickets to the motorized mayhem are $15 for adults, $10 for kids and seniors, and include admission to the Fair on Sunday.

Admission to the fair is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 62 and older and for children ages 6 to 12. Kids under the age of 6 are free when accompanied by an adult.

Fans of classic fair rides are in luck this year, as the King County Fair features all-new Midway rides, along with rides just for the kids. Fairgoers can take advantage of a special unlimited rides bracelet, which if purchased before July 18 will cost just $18 and offers unlimited rides all day. An unlimited ride bracelet purchased during the Fair will cost $23 per day.

The presale for ride bracelets can be purchase by calling the Fair office or at five select KeyBank locations: Enumclaw, Bonney Lake, Auburn, Forest Villa and Maple Valley beginning June 18.

No visit to a county fair is complete without traditional fair food, and the King County Fair offers all of the favorites, including onion burgers, corn dogs, hot scones with jam and great barbecue.

This year’s fair also includes some newer classic treats, including alligator, frog legs, sweet potato fries and deep-fried Coke.

A beer garden will also be available. Sponsored by the Washington State Council of Firefighters’ Burn Foundation, the beer garden will be staffed by 2008 firefighter calendar models.

Founded in 1863, the King County Fair is the oldest county fair west of the Mississippi River. The fair continues to celebrate its historic country roots, featuring a family orientated theme with music and entertainment every day. The theme for the 2007 King County Fair is “Dance to the Moo-sic.”

Other special offers at this year’s Fair include: Senior Half-price Day on Wednesday, July 18; Kids Half-price Day on Thursday, July 19; and Family Day on Saturday, July 21, when a family of four can come to the Fair for just $20 (maximum two adults). 

For more information about the 2007 King County Fair, visit http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/fair/default.asp.