Chamber putting out call for Monroe Fair Days

In less than two months, the Monroe Fair Days Parade will celebrate its 79th year ringing in the Evergreen State Fair with a vivid procession down Monroe's Main Street that draws thousands of people every summer.-á

Produced by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, the Fair Days Parade takes place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, and will be followed by the second annual Monroe Fair Days Market.

This year's market covers two locations; one between Blakeley and Lewis streets on West Main Street, and another at the Monroe Christian School. The market opens at 9 a.m., and is being coordinated by Poppy Seed Productions in partnership with the chamber.

"The market will close shortly after the parade to allow residents and visitors plenty of time to get their fair time in,GÇ¥ the Monroe Chamber of Commerce states in a news release. "Downtown Monroe and Monroe Christian School are only minutes from the Evergreen State Fair and all attendees are encouraged to head on down to the fair after the parade.GÇ¥

Parade participants are being asked to complete their applications, which are due to the Monroe Chamber of Commerce by Friday, Aug. 5. The chamber is currently seeking to enhance its parade lineup with additional participants, including floats, muscle cars, beauty queens, dancers and musicians.

Entry fees are $50 for nonprofits, $150 for commercial organizations and $200 for political campaigns.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the parade should complete their sponsorship packets by Monday, Aug. 1. The Evergreen State Fair has deemed this year's theme, "fun for the whole herd,GÇ¥ and participants are welcome to embrace it however they see fit.

Around 100 vendors are anticipated at this year's market, including face painting, balloon animals, espresso, donuts, crafts and concessions.

For more information on how to submit a parade or sponsorship application, contact Monroe Chamber of Commerce Operations Manager Shelley Nyhammer at 360-794-5488 or email office@monroewachamber.org. For more information about the event, visit choosemonroe.com/event/25200/.-á