Thousands of people attended the Central Washington State Fair this year as the fair gates closed for 2021 Sunday night.

THE PANDEMIC RESULTED IN SMALLER CROWDS BUT STILL LOTS OF FUN

It was an odd year with the covid-19 pandemic and masks required at the fairgrounds both indoors and outdoors. The result of a statewide mandate that impacted fairs and other large indoor and outdoor events throughout the state. Many fairs across the country say they expected smaller crowds because of state mandates and because of the concern about COVID-19 itself.

FINAL ATTENDANCE NUMBERS ARE EXPECTED EARLY THIS WEEK

No final numbers are yet available but the Central Washington State Fair no doubt saw smaller crowds. Some didn't attend because they didn't want to wear a mask. For others it was because they didn't want to be exposed to so many people under a pandemic.
Even some popular food booths were closed this year because of a concern about COVID-19 and the lack of available volunteers to operate the booths. The Lamb Burger food booth was closed this year and those at the fair were not able to get a ice cream nut bar because that too was closed in the Agricultural building.

IF YOU WERE AT THE FAIR YOU FOUND ALL YOUR FAVORITES

Whatever the reason it was a challenging year no doubt. But if you did go you were treated to all the annual favorites and some new stuff as well. New foods and old favorites great music and a new high action show called high flying dogs.
If you attended the fair you were part of an event that thousands enjoyed in the Yakima valley despite all the concerns and mandates about COVID-19.