Washington State Fair: Do the Puyallup

Washington State Fair burst into Puyallup as the region’s unofficial ushering in of fall.

Fairgoers had the opportunity to visit prize-winning animals, enjoy stomach-dropping rides, eat mouth-watering junk food, peruse a variety of vendors and win fuzzy toys from classic carnival games.

“It’s been good,” said Lori Baker, an attendee from Elma. “We just are seeing some things in the Showplex, seeing the animals, eating the food. I like looking at the different vendors and seeing what’s for sale. I plan to look at more vendors, have some beer in the beer garden, maybe listen to music if there is some.”

Byron Baker, Lori Baker’s companion, said he was simply in it for the turkey legs, but confessed that he would do pretty much anything at the fair as long as no one made him get on any rides.

Opening weekend, which kicked off on Friday, Aug. 30, offered free admission for all attendees under 18 years of age, so the weekend saw an influx of the little ones.

“It’s just fun seeing all the families and the kids — everybody having fun in a safe environment,” said Shari Buchanan, a fairgoer from Puyallup.

Buchanan said she also attended the fair to purchase bad-to-eat, but great-to-taste food.

Wendy Culpepper, Puyallup resident, said the fair is a must-go for those who enjoy shopping.

“It’s a great place to come and walk around and watch fun things,” she said. “We watched the mutton races over there, and we actually just got here. I’m going to go into the pavilion and shop around; see what’s in there and then take off — go home.”