Countdown to the Fair!

As of Tuesday, it's only 16 days until the fair begins, and with it, the largest event in Snohomish County, the second largest fair in the state, and the busiest 12 days of the year for Monroe.

The same things bring people back year after year, such as elephant ears, carnival rides, competing for ribbons, checking out all the exhibits and seeing all the performances.

But every year the fair changes a little bit, too, as it moves on with the times'there is now a text messaging competition, for example'and as the organizers seek out new and novel entertainments for fair-goers.

This year, there have only been a few changes to the fair, but they bring new attractions to fair-goers.

The theme of this year's fair is "Experience Animal Magnetism,GÇ¥ in recognition that the fair is strongly anchored in a tradition of farm animals.

Perhaps in keeping with that theme is the addition of a large number of animals sure to attract children and their grown-ups by the score.

New to the fair this year is the Great American Petting Zoo.

The petting zoo is actually a touring attraction, based in Oregon, where all the zoo animals were born and raised on a farm there.

At the fair, the petting zoo animals are kept in a single large enclosure, free to amble about or snooze as they like, and visitors can approach and pet them. There are zoo attendants who are there to answer questions about the animals, which include llamas, fallow deer, wallabies, pygmy goats, assorted exotic and domestic goats and sheep, potbellied pigs, bantam chickens, miniature donkeys, miniature call ducks, and baby animals born all year long.

The fair is actually doing something new outside of its gates this year by adding a float to the Fair Days Parade and other area parades that depicts the fair's theme.

The float will feature farm animals holding a large magnet that will pull along a cow by its cowbell.

Live music and entertainment is redoubled this year, with the reopening of the Family Stage, meaning entertainment will be ongoing on two stages throughout the fair. Pepsi is sponsoring the Family Stage, and Xfinity is sponsoring the Courtyard Stage, both of which will feature comedy, music, magic and more.

There is a fireworks show on Opening Night, Thursday, Aug. 21, and that, too, has a new sponsor; mattress retailer Sleep Country USA is putting on the show-á this year.

New in the food booths this year is Fire Inside Wood Fired Pizza, which will join long-time favorites like scones, piroshkies and purple cows.

Prior to opening day, there are discounts available on carnival passes through Aug. 20. Get a bracelet that gives you unlimited rides all day for just $23 by visiting www.evergreenfair.org.

And to get a deep discount on fair tickets, visit any area Walgreens and ask for a promo code for fair admission. Gate admission is $10 for adults when purchased at the door, but buy them online by Aug. 20 and get them for $8, or use your Walgreen's promo code.