Free fun, more farming and fewer fatty foods at Fair

King County Fair returns to roots as Enumclaw looks to future with Expo Center

Families looking for a fun, no-cost activity this summer can head to the King County Fair in Enumclaw. The free, family-oriented event returns to its roots this year with a focus on King County's rich agricultural legacy and the environment.

The King County 4-H Agricultural Fair is scheduled for July 18-20 at the Enumclaw Expo Center, formerly the King County Fairgrounds. King County transferred the property to the City of Enumclaw in 2007.

"Ours is the oldest county fair west of the Mississippi River, and it began purely as a celebration of this county's agricultural bounty and diversity," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "We look forward to returning to that legacy with a terrific collection of farming displays that showcase how important stewardship is to King County today."

The county also wanted to make the event more accessible to all, and has eliminated the admission fee for the event.

Sims said the newly configured King County 4-H Agricultural Fair responds to community input, as well as structural changes to the Expo Center, as the City of Enumclaw moves toward upgrading and transforming the facility into an equestrian facility and Expo Center.

"We strongly support the city's efforts to become a significant tourist destination with its equestrian facility and Expo Center, but the transition meant we needed to revisit how we put on the fair," he said.

"Time and again we have heard from the community that the animal and 4-H exhibits were the most important elements of the fair. All of the traditional 4-H exhibits and activities will continue at this year's event," Sims said.

With a theme of "Grow It, Show It, Know It," this year's fair will feature agricultural displays on topics such as sustainable farming, recycling and alternative fuels and will replace the traditional vendors and carnival. Organizers are also working to attract vendors of healthier food.

"We understand that King County is putting on the best possible event under the circumstances, just as we appreciate the county's support of our efforts to develop the former Fairgrounds property into a first-class equestrian and Expo Center," said Enumclaw Mayor John Wise.

"The animals, 4-H exhibits and agricultural education displays are unique and valued aspects of a county fair, and those exhibitions will continue as they always have," Wise said.

Sims noted that King County's commitment to Enumclaw Plateau residents remains strong. The county recently acquired 82 acres of open space on Mount Peak, which looms over the Plateau less than one mile from the Expo Center. The open space acquisition was intended to improve recreational opportunities on Mount Peak, particularly for equestrian enthusiasts.