For the Reporter

The Washington State Fair – featuring star-studded entertainment, the PRCA Rodeo, rides, exhibits, food, flowers and animals – opens its 17-day run Friday.

The fair kicks off with the annual cattle drive and the Washington State Fair Western Rodeo Parade, which begin at 10 a.m. Friday on Meridian Street in downtown Puyallup.

Corriente cattle lead the way, followed by draft horse hitches, marching bands, equestrian drill teams and costume characters.

A rodeo breakfast is from 8 to 10 a.m. for $2 at Pioneer Park’s Pavilion, next to the parade route. Local businesses donate food and product for the community event.

Gate admission is free from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, with a recommended non-perishable food donation for Puyallup Food Bank.

Last year a record-breaking 275,000 pounds were collected on opening day.

Food drive media partners are KOMO 4, KOMO Newsradio 1000 AM/97.7 FM, and KOMOnews.com.

The Puyallup Fairgrounds is at 110 Ninth Ave. SW.

New features

Star Trek: The Exhibition: The exhibit brings visitors into the Star Trek universe and allows them to connect with iconic moments. Fans and novices alike will have an opportunity to sit in the legendary Captain’s chair where Captain Kirk, and subsequently Captain Picard, took command of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Guests will also have the opportunity to pose in front of a replica of the U.S.S. Enterprise, see one-of-a-kind displays, have hands-on fun with interactive kiosks, and enjoy rare photo opportunities.

This is a separate ticketed exhibit beyond fair gate admission. Star Trek is inside the Red Gate, and is $8 per person. Children 5 years and under are free in the exhibit with a paid adult.

Sweet! A Tasty Journey: A nostalgic look at the confections beloved by generations of Americans. The free exhibition serves a healthy helping of brain food, teaching all about the “farm to fork” role in candy-making.

Beer Haven: A celebration of the small, independent, traditional and innovative culture of American craft brewers. It is a one-of-a-kind mobile mega-experience. A giant tap room on wheels will feature some of the region’s favorite craft beers. Guests 21 years and older will have a chance to sample a myriad of craft brews, and talk shop directly with the brewmasters, learning about the brewing and canning process from start to finish.

Join us each Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. for exclusive access to Beer Haven. Sample 60-plus local microbrews, meet brewmasters, play interactive games and enjoy live entertainment. Festival tickets start at $40. Advance tickets at www.thefair.com include fair gate admission, a $12.50 value.

Big Washington: Bigfoot is alive. He’s known by the name of Big Washington, and big he is. While the fair’s costume character is 7-feet tall, the version created by wood carver, Bob King (www.chainsawking.com) is a stately 9-feet tall. Both are a tad shy, but still very friendly, welcoming photo ops with fair friends.

Northwest Woodworkers Exhibition: Showcasing the handmade work of regional professional, amateur, and student woodworkers. The works they will enter are some of the region’s top craftsmanship featuring outstanding design. In addition to viewing the entries, check out the locally and nationally-known woodworkers demonstrating their craft. A featured part of the exhibit includes the woodcarvings of Russ Graff.

New rides

Evolution: A large thrill ride consists of four inclined pillars, which support a revolving arm. On one end of the arm are some counterweights and on the other is a rotating hub, which holds 10 cars. Minimum height to ride: 48 inches.

Rock Star: A spectacular thrill ride that elevates riders 55 feet above the midway on top of a flying platform! The Rock Star gives riders a unique free-fall experience as the platform whisks towards the ground. Minimum height to ride: 42 inches.

Phoenix Wheel: Classic wheel reaches a height of 65 feet, yet is kid-friendly as well. You’ll find it in SillyVille, where thrill-seeking young ones will love it. Minimum height to ride: 48 inches to ride alone or 32 inches if accompanied by a responsible person.

Timber Gulch: A new western/pioneer town located inside the Green Gate. You’ll take a step back in time when you see the pioneer town backdrop, complete with a jail, and photo opportunities galore. There will be an interactive area, featuring a gunfight show, kids’ activities, pioneer farming, shopping, and even a saloon. Entertainment includes Tumbleweed Crossing, a comedy gunfight show and a cowboy boot camp designed for young cowboys and cowgirls.

Tradition is still a strong part of the fair, since both the 4-H and FFA State Fairs are held at the same time. Other popular favorites include animal shows, home arts cooking contests and quilts, the International Photo Exhibition that draws entries from all corners of the globe, Hobby Hall, floral designs and rides.

Entertainment

Top-name entertainment highlights the Columbia Bank Concert Series again this year. Headliners range from Keith Urban to Duran Duran, and Heart to Jason Derulo. Purchase tickets at www.thefair.com/concerts, and you can select your seating. Free entertainment stages and strolling entertainers feature something for all ages.

If you want to see the best cowboys and cowgirls in the sport fight for their rodeo lives, then attend the Washington State Fair Rodeo, Sept. 11-13. Their destination is the National Finals Rodeo, but the road to that competition in Las Vegas goes through Puyallup. They have to prove it here, or go home. You’ll see the top cowboys and cowgirls compete in each event. Purchase tickets at www.thefair.com/rodeo. Presenting Sponsor: O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Special days

• Sept. 11, 18, 25: Friday Fireworks Extravaganza, 10 p.m.

• Sept. 12: The Washington State Fair Foundation presents XPLORE Adventure Race, a urban adventure race for teams of 2-5 people. Pre-register at www.thefair.com/foundation.

• Sept. 12: Asia Pacific Cultural Day, featuring traditional dress/dance/music.

• Sept. 12, 13: BECU Free Kids’ Weekend with free admission for their kids up to 18 years. Download a coupon at becu.org/freekids, and turn it in at the gate.

• Sept. 14, 21: Military Appreciation Days offer free gate admission to all active, reserve and retired military and National Guard and their dependents, plus disabled veterans when each shows valid military ID at the fair gate (see www.thefair.com). Media Partners: 570 KVI, KOMO Newsradio 1000 AM/97.7 FM, KOMO 4 and KOMOnews.com.

• Sept. 17, 24: Senior Tuesdays will offer senior entertainment, including a gardening presentation by Ed Hume.

• Sept. 19, 25: Take the Sounder Train to the fair from Everett, with nine stops along the way. Purchase bundled train and Fair admission at www.thefair.com/deals/.

• Sept. 20: Fiestas de las Familias is this year’s theme for our Latino friends.

• Sept. 27: Be part of the Ultimate Tailgate in the End Zone Sports Bar. Watch the first home game for the Seattle Seahawks when they take on the Chicago Bears at 1:25 p.m. The first 500 will receive a free team spirit prize, starting at 11 a.m. Come play games, win prizes and watch Sea Gals and Guys in the making at the Junior Cheer Camp. Wear your Seahawks fan gear for a chance to win the Ultimate Fan Contest from Aqua Quip.

Admission

Advance gate admission tickets are available through Sept. 10 at www.thefair.com, or at Safeway, Albertsons or South Hill Mall through Sept. 27, while supplies last:

At gate, advance
Adults, $12.50, $10
Students (6-18), $9, $7.50
Seniors (62 year and older) $9, $7.50
Kids (5 and under) free

The Fred Meyer Value Pack gives purchasers 50-percent savings. The pack is $36.95 and includes two gate admission tickets, 10 food bucks, six rides (excludes Extreme Scream), two half-price weekday parking coupons (valid Monday-Friday before 5 p.m., subject to availability, not valid on Sept. 11), and a discount rodeo coupon for the Sept. 12, 1 p.m. rodeo performance. Value packs are available through Sept. 11 at participating Fred Meyer stores.

Season passes provide unlimited Fair gate admission, plus valuable coupons for weekday parking, scones, and more. Adult prices are $30.50 by Aug. 31 ($35.50 after that date), and student season passes are $20.50 by August 31 ($25.50 after that date) at www.thefair.com.

Fair hours

9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information, visit www.thefair.com.