Despite a slumping economy, a record-breaking 118,557 guests attended the 20th celebration of the Spring Fair in Puyallup last Thursday-Sunday.
The event did not go without incident. On Friday evening, the Lolly Swing in the Kiddyland area of the midway left its foundation with 16 riders aboard as the ride tilted, landing on its side. While six were transported to the hospital for observation, all were released the same evening with minor injuries. The cause is still under investigation.
“We strive to keep guest safety of the utmost importance,” said Kent Hojem, Fair CEO. “We are very relieved to hear that those involved in the ride incident are safe. Our top priority is having our ride operator make the necessary adjustments once the findings are released from the investigation.”
Opening day also brought a record-breaking crowd – 16,349, beating the previous year by 523 guests. Friday saw intermittent heavy downpours, while blue skies and sunshine brought in large crowds over the weekend. The new final attendance record beats the 2006 attendance of 118,080 by 477 guests.
New features at this year’s Spring Fair included the Choir & Ensemble Festival, Dora the Explorer, the KMPS Showcase featuring Joey+Rory with the Williams Riley Band, and a bikini contest where Red Hat members tossed a bikini top toward a cut-out of a cow, trying to lasso it. This was the first year guests could order their gate or event tickets online, and print the ticket at home. The Fair worked with the Salvation Army on an opening day food drive, as well as Goodwill with a donation station in the Gold Parking Lot.
Popular returning events included Thrivefest, geared toward the kids and young adults featuring interactive activities, plus national band, Stellar Kart; the sellout of the second Slamfest Demolition Derby; and ongoing performances by DockDogs.
The annual Garden Show took nearly three-quarters of an acre of space, featuring gardening vendors, plants, tools, accessories, workshops by experts like Ciscoe Morris, display gardens, and a contest involving local florists entitled, “Defining Colors.”
Fiesta Mexicana included elegant dancing horses, mariachi music, vendors, and authentic food prepared by Jalisco Club, with proceeds benefiting those in need in Washington and Jalisco, Mexico. Popular features that returned included the Swifty Swine Pig Races, Creative Kids Exhibit and Egg Drop, “Science Explorations 2009,” and KidZone.
The Northwest Junior Livestock Show and Sale featured 4-H and FFA students showing their animals, with an annual auction bringing in $181,500. A miniature horse show, pygmy goat show, Llama Show, Washington Shepherd’s Extravaganza, Pygmy Goat Show, Junior Heifer Show and Fair Farm drew crowds.
The carnival and rides, 425 exhibit spaces and 45 food locations offering tempting food were all well received at the Fair. KVI 570 AM sponsored Military Appreciation Day, with 3,554 members of the military and their dependents enjoying free admission on Friday.
The 2009 Puyallup Fair is slated for Sept. 11-27. For further information, visit the Fair’s Web site at www.thefair.com or call the 24-hour hotline at (253) 841-5045.
