In addition to sunny weather, breathtaking rides, award-winning animal exhibits, top-notch entertainment and a tempting variety of refreshments, the 2014 Evergreen State Fair also celebrated record-breaking levels of attendance.
This year's fair crowds set two new attendance records; one for overall fair attendance as well as a new single-day record. The single-day record, which was achieved on Sunday, Aug. 31, was set with a total of 46,273 guests passing through the fair gates. Throughout its 12-day duration, the Evergreen State Fair welcomed a record-setting total of 341,128 fairgoers.
"We had a great fair with record attendance and I think we created some wonderful memories of a community coming together to celebrate,GÇ¥ said Snohomish County Parks Deputy Director and Fair Manager Hal Gausman.
As the fair has evolved over time, a major emphasis has been placed on all-around sustainability as well as giving back to the community. Agricultural sustainability was reflected throughout the vegetable displays and in the food preservation department, with local citizens entering a record number of exhibits from their home gardens.
"This year the vegetable displays were incredible and really demonstrated that growing local food is really a part of what makes living in the Northwest so great,GÇ¥ said Gausman. "Some of the fair's biggest challenges going forward are how to best help local farmers adapt to changing economic conditions in Snohomish County and how to position the fair as a place to teach the next generation about the importance of growing a local sustainable food source.GÇ¥
Both the agriculture exhibit and the goat barn won the Washington State Fair Commission's prestigious black and white award for excellent exhibits.
The fair was also successful at giving back to the community. In support of local Snohomish County food banks, a total of 40,000 pounds of nonperishable food items were donated by attendees during the fair.
Additionally, Gausman shared that another goal of fair organizers is to find methods of maximizing the celebration by creating ways for it to be more affordable to individuals and families on a budget. The "Fair CaresGÇ¥ program offered entry day discounts, discounted admission with food donations, free admission for seniors and a "Kids DayGÇ¥ during which all youth 15 years of age and younger were able to get in for free.
There was also a day of free admission for veterans and first responders.
Animal exhibits are an integral part of the fair and this year included everything from baby pigs to bunny rabbits to graceful horses with their regal equestrians. Guests who needed some time to rest their legs could sit and enjoy events like the feline costume contest, the rodeo, dogs navigating the agility course and more.
The Great American Petting Zoo was a new attraction to the fair this year and was greatly popular. Fair-goers were allowed to enter into a rectangular fenced area of approximately 20 x 60 feet, and permitted to stroll amongst goats, potbellied pigs, wallabies, ducks, chickens, pygmy goats, llamas, and a friendly Fallow deer with an enthusiastic penchant for chewing on people's shirts.
"The shirt-eating deer was my favorite,GÇ¥ said Gold Bar resident Jennifer Reasoner. "By far the best part of the fair!GÇ¥
To many fairgoers, the new petting zoo feature took over the top spot on their list of favorite fair attractions.
"We love the cats best, with their crazy-themed houses,GÇ¥ said Sultan resident Elizabeth Emmons. "But this year... The petting zoo was a fairy tale crammed in a rainbow!GÇ¥
Entrance into the petting zoo was free of charge, and there was no time limit; guests could linger for as long as they wished. Great American Petting Zoo employees were on hand to answer any questions about the animals, and visitors could purchase cups of feed if they wanted some additional interaction with the many furry critters.
And then there was the food.
All the traditional fair delicacies were available in large supply, and even attendees with the most voracious appetite for sweets were easily appeased. The variety of delectable deserts included classics like elephant ears, scones, cotton candy and snow cones, as well as more daring temptations like warm and gooey chocolate chip cookies topped with melting ice cream, crepes, fudge and kettle corn.
A convenient shuttle service helped ferry attendees from the parking areas to the entrance gates and back again.
"The Evergreen State Fair wouldn't be such a success without the incredible support of local volunteers, 4-H and FFA organizers, and our dedicated Parks staff,GÇ¥ said Snohomish County Executive John Lovick in a press release. "I'm very proud to be part of such a wonderful community event.GÇ¥
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