Central Washington State Fair Attracts 263,349 Attendees, Up 8%

The Central Washington State Fair, held over a lively 10-day period at Yakima’s State Fair Park, attracted a staggering 263,349 attendees, marking an impressive 8% increase in visitor numbers compared to last year.

YOU ATE A LOT OF FAIR FOOD THIS YEAR

Fair officials celebrated this significant uptick, noting that this year’s fair food sales were the second highest in history and the carnival enjoyed its most successful year to date.
Kathy Kramer, President and CEO of Yakima’s State Fair Park, says “we are absolutely thrilled with the community’s support this year. This validates that even in tough economic times, the Fair is cherished by the community, steeped in tradition and on the Fall list of things to do.”

APPARENTLY YOU HARVESTED THE FUN

With a theme of “Harvest the Fun,” this year’s fair featured an array of new agricultural and family-friendly activities. Among the highlights was the Apple Pie Baking Contest, which attracted 63 entries and awarded a total of $1,500 in prize money across both adult and youth categories. The adult division's first-place winner declared she was already crafting recipes for next year’s competition, showcasing the event's growing popularity.
Attendees also enjoyed the Fair's special ag display, “The Farmer’s Garden,” which shed light on the vital role of local apple growers in feeding a global population.

DID YOU SEE ANY OF THE GREAT BANDS?

In addition, the Toyota Concert Series brought six nights of high-energy performances from some of the best tribute bands in the country. One concert-goer remarked, “This was a truly special experience. My son and I were able to enjoy a Queen concert together, and it never occurred to us during the show that it was not the original band.”
Kramer noted the overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees regarding the new lineup and format of the Toyota Concert and Entertainment Series this year, saying it contributed to a festive atmosphere throughout the Fair.

OH THE KIDS LOVED FUNVILLE AND THE ADULTS LOVED THE BEER GARDEN

A standout feature of this year’s fair was FunVille, a new area that drew large crowds daily and included attractions like the All-Alaskan Pig Races, an interactive butterfly experience, pony rides, and a petting zoo that made its long-awaited return since the pandemic.
The newly introduced Back Porch Beer Garden was another crowd-pleaser, where fairgoers relaxed with live music and sipped on the Fair’s special session IPA, Harvest Haze, crafted by Cowiche Creek Brewery. This unique beverage quickly became one of the top sellers.

IT'S NOT A FAIR WITHOUT THE ANIMAL BARNS

All seven livestock barns thrived with activity, showcasing a diverse array of animals, including beloved breeds of cattle, horses, and dairy cows. Attendees marveled at unique exhibits such as three litters of baby piglets, mini donkeys, mini ponies, and fjord horses. The small animal barn buzzed with over 60 breeds of poultry, waterfowl, and pigeons, along with more than 25 different breeds of rabbits, many of which were displayed for judging.

LET THE FAIR KNOW WHAT YOU LIKED AND DIDN'T LIKE AND WIN A PRIZE

As plans for next year's event begin, the Fair urges attendees to provide feedback. Those interested can visit fairfun.com to complete a survey, with all completed entries entered into a drawing for a chance to win a Fair package valued at $350 for the 2025 event.