Grays Harbor County fair starts Wednesday

The Grays Harbor County Fair — themed “Pig Tails and Country Trails” — returns to the fairgrounds in Elma with music and family activities spanning from Wednesday through Sunday.

The fair has had record-breaking attendance for three of the past five years, with at least 62,000 visitors per year during that stretch.

Fair office manager Kelly Peterson enjoys seeing visitors realize the good that comes from the fair and goes back into the community. “That’s what makes it worth it for us — it’s the people and the experiences they get to have here. It’s really a unique thing.”

For this year, organizers have accumulated about $49,000 in sponsorships. “We consider our sponsors not just donators or contributors, but partners,” said fair manager Mike Bruner.

Wednesday is opening day, sponsored by House Brothers Construction in McCleary. A parade will be held at 5:30 p.m. followed by a dedication ceremony at 6. A berry baking contest also will be held, and country-rock band Old Dominion will perform on the Pepsi Stage at 8 p.m.

Thursday is Anchor Bank Kids Day. Children ages 6-15 receive $1 off fair admission. Carnival rides will be available at $2.50 each. Seth Wayne from KOMO-TV Channel 4 will be on-site to give kids insight into the news business, and he will broadcast live following his presentation. The Coats will perform on the Pepsi Stage at 7 p.m.

Friday is Grays Harbor PUD Day. A talent show will begin at 6 p.m., and the Olson Brothers Band will perform on the Pepsi Stage at 8 p.m.

Saturday is Pasha Auto Group Day. Races will be held at the Grays Harbor Raceway starting at 5 p.m. Petty Fever (a Tom Petty tribute band) will perform on the Pepsi Stage at 8 p.m. The popular youth livestock auction will be held at 2 p.m. at the Monte Farm and Home Arena.

Kids from local 4-H clubs, from 9 to 17 years old, will market animals they have raised for sale. This year, they will bring some 120 chickens, 60 pigs and 15 lambs to the auction.

“These are not your normal chickens,” said Coree Downing, fair superintendent for the rabbit and poultry barn. “This is something these kids worked all year with. It’s not just a chicken; these are their friends, these are their pets. They have spent so much time with them that it’s beyond us.”

Other animals whose owners have chosen not to sell will be on display for fair attendees. Kids will have the opportunity show their knowledge of their animals and tell people why a particular animal is their favorite, while at the same time offering visitors a chance to get up close and personal with the animals.

“When we talk about the fair, it’s not just the vendors; it’s not just the rides,” Downing said. “It’s what these kids and the community do to raise children up in a positive way and represent our community in a good way.”

The fair continues Sunday with Bi-Mart Day. Admission will be free for those arriving between 10 and 11 a.m., and a cheerleading exhibition will begin at 3 p.m.

There also will be free entertainment daily, including a wildlife display, by A Walk on the Wild Side; Steve the Pretty Good Magician’s Comedy and Magic Show; and Muriel’s Petting Zoo.

Admission for the fair this year is $10 for adults (ages 16 to 62), $7 for seniors and children. Children 5 and younger receive free admission. Parking is $5.

Wristbands for carnival rides courtesy of Davis Shows Northwest are available for $22 in advance, or $27 on-site. The price per ride is $3.75; a package of 10 passes is available for $32. Wristbands may be purchased in advance at Anchor Bank branches in Elma, Aberdeen and Montesano.

Entertainment for the fair is general seating and free with fair admission. Two rows of Golden Circle seating are available for $40 per person.

For more information, visit www.ghcfairgrounds.com/events/county-fair/county-fair.

photos by Stephanie Morton | GH Newspaper Group TOP: Alex Marshall, of Montesano, calms his steer during the 2016 Grays Harbor County Fair. BOTTOM: The 2016 Grays Harbor County Fair drew 62,208 visitors.