The Spring Fair in Puyallup is putting finishing touches on a wide variety of special value offerings for the 20th annual event, April 16-19, 2009 at the Puyallup Fair & Events Center.
Special advance gate pricing and ticket packages are perfect to take advantage of all the best aspects of spring, from baby animals to the rhododendron contest in the huge Garden Show, to 4-H and FFA students showing animals, to one of the first demolition derbies of the season.
For young kids, Dora the Explorer will be a favorite stop for a meet and greet and photograph, while Dock Dogs draw huge crowds watching dogs leaping into a pond to compete. Don’t worry, the racing pigs are a tradition at the Spring Fair, and will be back to entertain young and old alike.
Friday will offer loads of entertainment. The KMPS Showcase will feature up-and-coming country artists Joey+Rory with the Williams Riley Band at 7:30 pm (gates to free concert open at 6:30 pm). Thrivefest is an evening of Christian entertainment with activities scheduled, and a performance by popular national band, Stellar Kart. Saturday at 6 pm kicks off SlamFest Demolition Derby.
This year, gate admission for kids 0-18 years will be free from 2-10 p.m. on Thursday only. Donations are recommended for the Salvation Army Food Bank throughout the day on Thursday.
You can have fun and learn along the way at the Spring Fair. “Explorations 2009,” a science fair for Puyallup School District students is featured, as well as their Cultures Diversity Celebration. Drop by and see some great artwork featuring the second grade art project and junior high poster contest with Puyallup School District. Winning entries will be featured, including Zaree Warren’s from Woodland Elementary, and Leah Wright’s from Ferrucci Junior High.
The KidZone will be packed with free fun, including the Creative Kids Exhibit, face painting, kids gardening, and the very popular Brad’s World Reptile Show. Let’s Pretend Pirate Adventure is in Kiddyland.
The Garden Show brings spring to the ShowPlex exhibition center, and features garden exhibits, displays, demonstrations and workshops, plus a floral display contest featuring local floral artists. Garden shops and nurseries will sell garden wares. Ciscoe Morris will broadcast on KIRO Radio on Saturday.
In addition to animal shows for llamas, sheep, Boer goats and Irish Dexter cattle, FFA and 4-H students compete in the annual Northwest Junior Livestock Show and Sale. The show, featuring their hogs, steers and sheep is held Thursday-Saturday, finishing with the annual auction on Sunday. Proceeds of the auction benefit student agriculture programs.
Fiesta Mexicana features authentic food, entertainment, and the standing-room only favorite, the dancing horses, with performances every day. The Spring Fair offers over 400 booths; free entertainment; rides; and delicious Fair food, and is popular for all ages.
Discount value offers include a coupon for “7 rides for $15” (excludes Extreme Scream and Roller Coaster), Thrivefest and SlamFest Demo Derby special discounts. New this year is on-line gate tickets, where you can print them off in advance, and omit standing in line at the gates.
Visit www.thefair.com for a variety of value packages. Adults are $8, Students (6-18 years) $7, and 5 years and under are free.
KVI 570 AM is the partner for Military Appreciation Day on Friday, with free gate admission to active, reserve, retired military and their dependents with valid military ID. Parking is free.
Hours are Thursday (4/16) from 2-10 pm; Friday and Saturday (4/17-4/18) 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday (4/19) from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. For further info, visit www.thefair.com or the 24-hour hotline 253-841-5045.
