Tradition takes center stage at King County 4-H/FFA Agricultural Fair

Farm animals, great food and kids’ activities featured in Enumclaw, July 18-20

It’s not summer in King County without a trip to Enumclaw for the King County 4-H/FFA Agricultural Fair – the oldest county fair west of the Mississippi.

There’s plenty to see, do and eat at the fair, scheduled for July 18-20 at the Enumclaw Expo Center, formerly the King County Fairgrounds.

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. Admission is free, and there is no charge for parking.

Virtually everything that makes a county fair such a special time for the family will also be in plentiful supply in Enumclaw:

• FFA and 4-H groups will have numerous livestock and animals on display, including sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, cats, dogs, guide dogs, horses and cattle. Judged competitions include open class, dairy and beef, flowers, photography, quilts and more.

• Get in touch with your inner baker and enter the pie-baking contest. Kids can participate in a free doll-making activity – and they can take home the doll they make. Other kids’ arts and crafts activities are also scheduled.

• While there won’t be a carnival at the fair this year, several other fun events and activities are scheduled, including the annual kids’ pedal tractor pull, the “Let’s Pretend Wild West Show,” and the ever-popular racing pigs.

No county fair is complete without scones, and the King County 4-H/FFA Agricultural Fair continues its longstanding tradition of offering fresh, hot scones as the part of an all-star lineup of great food that includes barbecued hamburgers, hotdogs and turkey drumsticks will be available, along with fresh Mongolian grill, roasted potatoes (regular and sweet), roasted corn on the cob, plus elephant ears, ice cream, lemonade and espresso.

Vendors and displays covering sustainable and agricultural topics – ranging from gardening to alternate transportation options – are also scheduled, including Enumclaw native and expert gardener Marianne Binetti. Vendors interested in participating in the 2008 King County 4-H/FFA Agricultural Fair should contact the Fair office at 206-296-8888.

King County transferred the property to the City of Enumclaw in 2007. More information about the 2008 King County is available at http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/fair/.

Related Information:

Agriculture in King County, Washington

King County 4-H (external link)

City of Enumclaw Community Events (external link)