Tradition reigns at the Clallam County Fair as Clallam’s main event continues into its 96th year.
Staples of local music, the rodeo, carnival rides, artistic offerings, top-notch animals, sugary treats and more are just a few of the highlights for folks from Forks to Sequim to gather on Aug. 20-23.
As is tradition, all-day carnival ride bracelets remain available through today, Aug. 19, for $30 at Reddog Coffee Co. in Sequim, the fair office and multiple outlets in Port Angeles, Forks, Clallam Bay and Neah Bay. Each year, about 5,000 bracelets are sold and do sell out and won’t be available during the fair, organizers say.
On kickoff day, Kids Day, this Thursday, children 12 and under can enter the fair for free until 6 p.m.
The KIDZONE for 12 and under returns, too, for the whole weekend with several activities such as pony rides, a rock wall, a bungee jump and mini-golf with fees.
New this year is the opportunity for children ages 4-7 to experience their own mini-rodeo by riding sheep in Mutton Bustin’ throughout Thursday-Saturday.
Shari Ioffrida, fair manager, said children 55 pounds and under can ride for free and compete to win a belt buckle.
Participants receive ribbons and pictures of each child riding are available for sale, she said.
New to the grandstands this year are BMX Pro Trick Team riders at 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
They’ll be joined by draft horse pulling at 2 p.m. on Thursday, the logging show at noon Saturday, the rodeo at 5 p.m. Saturday and noon on Sunday, and the Demolition Derby at 5 p.m. Sunday.
Ioffrida said she’s especially excited for the rodeo this year because a sponsor generously offered prize money for the payout, which should increase the turnout and competition.
Entry to grandstand events minus the Demo Derby is included in fair admission. The Demo Derby costs $11 plus fair admission with ticket sales beginning outside of the west Yellow Gate at 9 a.m.
Organizers say the event does sell out of its 1,600 seats.
Music continues all day, everyday at the Sunny Farms and Wilder Auto Community Stages with acts like Texas Country Showdown National Champions the Olson Bros. Band at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Thursday, Fleetwood Mac tribute band Dreams at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday and the Fifth annual Variety and Talent Show at 2 p.m. Sunday, both on the Wilder stage.
Ioffrida said looking back at the history of Sunday attendance, it’s gone up in the past five years and the only change she’s made is adding the talent show.
In the barns, animal shows run all weekend from animal judging to the 4-H/FFA Junior Livestock auction at 1 p.m. Saturday.
In the food court, there’s something for everyone as it includes hot dogs, espresso, seafood, ice cream, scones, salads, lemonade, Italian sausage, pizza, barbecue, doughnuts, kettle corn, corn on the cob, funnel cakes, Slushies, cheesesteak sandwiches and much more.
The Clallam County Fair was established in 1895, Ioffrida said, but due to wartime and other issues in the early 20th century it wasn’t held for several years so this is the 96th annual fair.
For more information on the fair, visit clallam.net/Fair or call 417-2551.
2015 Clallam County Fair
Theme: “Fun for the Whole Herd”
Location: Clallam County Fairgrounds, 1608 W. 16th St., Port Angeles
Fair hours:
Gates: 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 20-23; close at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23
Buildings: Open 10 a.m. daily
Carnival: opens at noon daily
For more information on the fair, visit clallam.net/Fair or call 417-2551.
Admission:
• Adults $8; seniors 62 and up $6; students 13-17 $6; children 6-12 $5, and children 5 and under free.
Season passes available for all ages. Cash only.
• Kids Day: free admission on Thursday, Aug. 20, for children 12 and under before 6 p.m.
• Carnival bracelets: $30 through today, Aug. 19, in Sequim at Reddog Coffee Co., in Port Angeles at Swain’s General Store, Wilder Auto, Higher Grounds, east and west locations, and Just Rewards Espresso; also at Forks Outfitters, Washburn General Store in Neah Bay, and Weel Road Deli in Clallam Bay.
Free parking
Grandstand events:
• Draft horse show 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20
• BMX Pro Trick Team multiple times Thursday-Friday, Aug. 20-21
• 4-H Western Games 9:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 21
• Logging Show noon Saturday, Aug. 22
• Rodeo 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22; noon Sunday, Aug. 23
• Demolition Derby 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23 (admission is $11 plus fair admission)
