It's been a great day at the Puyallup Fair. If you didn't come out today, I encourage that you do tomorrow because it's the last day.

I'll Just leave you with some recommendations of the rides that I went on. The white roller coaster is a must of course -- I went on it twice. The line -- which surpassed the space allowed -- went by rather smoothly, no more than a 20 minute wait. The giant slide is another must. Even if you aren't a slide person, you have to at least go listen to the "Do the Puyallup" song to brush up on the lyrics. And, in case you were wondering, it is 106 steps to the top of the slide. My final recommendation would be the ferris wheel, but with one catch. Wait until it gets dark because then everything is lit up beautifully, and you can see it all from the top.

Well, I had my fiesta corn -- which costs $3.50 an ear -- and I'm ready to call it a day. I hope you enjoyed "Do[ing] the Puyallup" with me today, and that you come out tomorrow to celebrate the closing of the fair. I'll be here with a few friends to see the Jonas Brothers in concert.

One last thing. One of the next big events at the fair comes this October. It's called Oktoberfest. It originated in Munich, Germany, and from what I'm seeing right now out of the window, it looks like a lot of fun. Oktoberfest will run October 5-7.

- By Lauren Smith

Wow. Earthquake burgers are huge. I got full about a quarter of the way through it; half before I had to give up. They are big, and a bit pricey, but definitely worth their salt -- the latter pertaining mostly to the fries.

One of my favorite parts of the fair is the Hobby Hall. I was a bit disappointed that there were fewer collections this year, but it was nonetheless a sight to see.

I certainly didn't know that Elmo was marketed in so many different ways, or that there were so many different Pez dispensers in existence.

The sea of people is certainly increasing as the day progresses; I'm having a hard time seeing the sidewalk now. The ride lines are getting fairly long, but the good news is the white roller coaster has two cars running today, so that line should pass rather quickly.

So, if you haven't gotten down here to experience the fun, make sure you plan it for either today or tomorrow. It's not too late, the day is young, and the night offers entertainment and a lot of multi-colored lights.

I've seen about all there is to see, so now I'm off to ride all there is to ride. I'll be back when I run out of good old fashioned tickets. Yes, tickets. Unfortunately, dizzy passes aren't available on the weekends. Still, that doesn't mean the rides are less entertaining.

- By Lauren Smith

ok we are all tired. We saw lots a great stuff this last time. We went to the barns and saws cows, sheep, goats and the piglets.

One of the goats looks like a pitbull with cropped ears, Very funny~

Nice sheets are being sold at the fair any size or color for $20.00.
You can create a very cool flower pot pencil at the Classic Kreations. WE ended up buying both.

Water is easy to get so no sense packing in bottles.

This has been a very exciting day at the fair. We were able to talk to and educate many people about service dogs and their uses.

Overall, the fair was a very service dog friendly fun place.

- by Becky Petrinovich and her client MG

We ate lunch. yeah!

now to start exploring the other side of the fair. Many of the folks are not as aware of what service dogs do as I had hoped. It has been an interesting experience for someone new to the fair.

The dogs, on the other hand, are acting as well mannered as expected.

MG was pleased to find Gyros in the International food court. While over in the ride area MG found a guessing booth that missed out on picking the right birth month for Socrates' age. She won a bear.

Crowds are becoming more packed than it was this morning and making to a challenge for working with service dogs.

During blogging times, the dogs get to go off duty to relax and play.

- by Becky Petrinovich and her client MG

Well, we have done only one side of the fair and the dogs are very tired. We enjoyed the beautiful paintings and handicrafts in the Pavilion building.

MG found the people's reaction to the dogs interesting.

The Showplex building has many interesting vendors with lots of sights and smells.
The hot tub vendor was very convincing on how wonderful a hot tub experience would be for the dogs after a hard day working.

Looking forward to some wonderful fair fries and scones!

MG talked to the scuba vendor and found out that dogs can go scuba diving too. what a thought!

- by Becky Petrinovich and her client MG

We entered the blue fair gate at 10:05am. After going to the Admin office we paid a visit to the First Aid office where the dogs got to say hello.

The dogs did very well, however the crew were very excited about meeting the blogger dogs.

- by Becky Petrinovich and her client MG

It is now late afternoon. The clouds have come back and it has cooled down some.

The lights on the rides are coming on. The fair is not to crowded and there is still a lot to see. It is a perfect night to check it out.

See you here.

- By JoAnn Vinson

We checked out the wine garden. They had a lot of different wine for sale.

Bill wanted to sample some but at six dollars a glass he decided to just go to the PX at Fort Lewis and buy a bottle of the same wine for three dollars a bottle.

We are retired Army so this is just one of the benefits.

- By JoAnn Vinson

Don't forget to check out the Home Arts in the 2nd floor of the Pavillion.

I went to see my entries in the crochet contest. I received two blue ribbons for my crochet dolls and a red ribbon for my crochet dress.

Next year I want to try the crocheting with sowing thread, Sowing thread is much thinner and more of a challenge.

- By JoAnn Vinson

The sun finally came out. We went to the Showplex and Bill bought me a diamond ring. Well it was only a grown diamond but it was the thought that counts.

- By JoAnn Vinson

For lunch we went to Sales in the fair in the Crafts & More. We each got the fair burger meal with curly fries, and Bill also got a crusty pup. He says that the crusty pups always taste better at the fair.

We also went to the Pavillion to watch the different school children bands. The conductor really had a time getting the kids organized for the different sets they played.

Then we watched a magic show and Bill said he figured out how how the magician moved one coin from one hand to the other.

- By JoAnn Vinson

Well my husband Bill and I arrived at the fair using the purple gate. This way we got to see "SillyVille". Now all the kids can have fun on rides more suited to them.

We enjoyed watching all the parents having fun with their kids. To see all those bright little eyes shining with the discovery of the new sights and sounds of the fair, some for the first time.

This makes me feel young again. Next we went and looked at the 4H horses, chickens, ducks, and dogs. Even though we go three or four times every year this is the first time going in by the purple gate.

So this was the first time we have seen the 4H exhibit. We like being at the fair early before it is to crowded. The weather is cool and cloudy with a bit of wind. So now we are going back out to see more to report on.

- By JoAnn Vinson

Very shortly, the country band "Big 'n Rich will begin their concert in the Grandstand. While the tickets range anywhere from $36-$70, the concert is expected to be a huge hit.

"They put on a good show, they really get the crowd into it," Cassidy McKinney said.

Tomorrow, The Steve Miller band will play. Seats will cost anywhere from $39.50-$49.50.

-By Matt Anderson

I really have admiration for the people that become entertainers for the fair. I don't know that I would, or could, make myself put on an overly big rainbow top hat and display my talents in front of a crowd.

That is, though, what the entertainers do. They are placed in strategic locations (I would assume so they would gain the largest audiences) and do anything from magic tricks to use garbage cans and pots to make music.

The shows are, generally, free and open to anyone willing to watch.

-By Matt Anderson

"That'll be $10.55, please."

It amazes me. I've never truly realized how expensive everything has gotten at the fair, partly because normally I'm not the one paying for everything.

Just for a fairly small hamburger a tray of fries and a Pepsi, I paid $10.55. At McDonald's, I could have ordered the same thing for less then half the price (it may have even tasted better).

Also, to by a 20 ounce coke from a vending machine it $3, when I could go outside the fair and buy the same thing for $1.25.

- By Matt Anderson

"Number nine, you win."

I felt horrible. I had just beaten a (what appeared to be a five year old) at shooting water into a clowns mouth.

His mother gave me a look of great disgust, then proceeded to grab her son and walk, at an amazingly fast pace, away from the game booth.

Feeling horrible, I ran to catch up with the boy and his mother to give them the penguin that I had just "won." Once I had handed it to them, the mother said, "Thank you," then proceeded to give me another look of disgust and walked away.

I couldn't help but think about whether or not I should have tried to win the game. I keep telling myself that I paid $3 to play one measly game just as they did. I just can't get past the fact that I tried to beat a five-year-old boy, succeeded and was proud--if for only a moment--of it.

-By Matt Anderson

It's odd to me, now. I kept thinking to myself, "This just isn't as fun as it used to be."

When I was six or seven, I lived for the rides--when I was at the fair. Now, at 17, sometimes it just doesn't seem worth it. It doesn't seem worth my time to wait in line for 15 minutes to ride a roller coaster that I'm only on for all of about two seconds.

Now, this is not to say that once I'm on the ride I don't like it. I do. It just seems to me that the fair should find ways to appeal to people of all ages. Or even make the rides bigger and capable of holding more people to shorten the wait time.

-By Matt Anderson

Having just finished lunch (at Krusty Pup), it seems to me that no matter how much the fair says that taking out trans fat won't affect the taste of their foods, isn't true.

While, yes, there isn't much of a difference, the corn dogs just don't seem the same.

"They just aren't as spectacular as they used to be," Elizabeth Jovanovich said.

While I have yet to try a deep-fried Twinkie (for the first time) or a scone, I expect the difference to be the same.

-By Matt Anderson

Though the Dizzy pass has been changed this year, it still provides a larger array of rides for a lot less money.

While it is $1 per ticket with most rides requiring a minimum of four or five tickets, the Dizzy pass is a flat rate of $25 and you have access to all rides, except the Extreme Scream, with an unlimited amount of times that you can ride them.

You can purchase Dizzy passes at any information booth in the area around the rides starting at noon. Dizzy passes are unavailable on weekends (Friday-Sunday).

- By Matt Anderson

Throughout the fairgrounds, you can find various vendors offering free samples of drinks.

Near the Extreme Scream, you will find a Wired energy drink booth and close to the Ferris Wheel, you will find a Vitamin water booth. While samples at both are free, to buy a full bottle of either, it does cost $2.

- By Matt Anderson

Walking in you see a curtain. What's under the curtain is still unknown. Then the museum "curator" walks over and lifts the ominous velvet rope to let you in.

"The World's Smallest Traveling Museum" (as the "curator" called it) houses what the museum claims to be a dead "Chupacabra", a head shrunken by native African tribes and an amputated finger. On the wall just to the left of museum's display, it claims that DNA tests have concluded that the creature in their possession is indeed a "Chupacabra."

The museum is located just past the Blue Gate, admission is $1.

- By Matt Anderson

The sun is shining clear now casting a warm yellow light. I've just come from the Centennial Building where I purchased 3 bracelets, one for my daughter and one for my daughter-in-law. Oh yes, and one for myself of course.

Luminous varied colors of jade entwined with a tough textured yarn. Strong and affordable. And sensuous. So stop by Designs Unlimited and indulge yourself. I won't tell:)

This has been a wonderful introduction to the Puyallup fair. I had all the fun and everything I could possibly want to eat. Next year will be just as nice. Oh, I just remembered I still have ride tickets in my pocket. Sorry, have to run.......

By Kristen Butler, MSW

Boy was I wrong, WRONG! Mountain Mist Water sells 16.9 oz for a buck. Yes, and you can fill up your empty bottle all day for free! So don't break your back to pack the H2O. Buy the Mountain Mist instead. There are stands at various points all around the fair.

I rode the Farris Wheel with a cute little girl who wasn't even scared--and her mom and her grandma. They won't let a single person ride alone. And the mom told me her little darling was in Toonzville, located in Sillyville. Open 10 am to 9 pm, this is a place where families can play interactive games with their child. And children are picked out of the audience to play characters. My little friend had a star sticker to prove it, "I was a squirrel princess" she said.

So I know the Draft Horse Driving has already been covered. But you can't wrong attending this event. Talk about a step back in time. Elegant horse teams harnessed with bells sidestepping to the driver's vocal commands. And these horses can step and dance! I particularly loved the charcoal with white flecks. The announcer said they start out dark grey and by the age of 12 are a milky white color. Not to mention the miniature Shetland ponies racing around the arena kicking their heels and throwing their manes. There's nothing like the scent of horses, if you like that sort of thing.

By the way, just for your ears alone: several ladies in the Tacoma News Tribune Info booth told me: Monday through Thursday all day into the night you can ride the Extreme Scream 2 for 1. That means you ride for $10 and take a friend who rides for free. Good to know. But, my mind was set on Mutton Busting, if you know what I mean. You put a tot on a mutton and open the gates. What bravery. One little girl took the prize this afternoon: Ellie from Puyallup, age 4yrs came in at 3.69 seconds. What a champ! And after your ticket in: it's totally free of course. I like that.

I'm off to see the baby pigs. Born here at the fair, we have our very own puyallup pig babies. I hear one mommy pig has 12 piglets. I had so, so wanted to see the Pig Races! Darn it, that only happens in spring. I guess the babies have to grow up first. See you in a bit for a final blog! Life if good when you're having fun!

By Kristen Butler, MSW

Wow. I'm back again. I didn't get very far...there's so much to see and do. First off, I went by the 100.7 Radio stand (left of the First Aide Building) and learned Emerson Drive is playing tonight and sitting in the grandstands is FREE! This only happens some nights. Tonight's event starts at 7:30 with $15 tickets in reserved seating. But hey, why pay? Sit in the grandstand for free!

So then I got hungry and went seeking tacos. I found a stand just up from the First Aide building. The taco salad was good but I noticed water is $3! Ok, so I'm between jobs. But families might want to pack their own if they plan to get thirsty. By the way, I was talking with one young woman about my blogging and I'm a social worker, etc. etc. And I got a job invite! So you never know what you'll find at the fair, I say.

And while I was eating two lovely ladies in sparkly hats walked by. Because I had earlier said I was going to focus on some of the things seniors like about the fair-I asked. "We loved the School Art done by junior high students-they're such good artists." In addition, these ladies said they're going to see "The Konzelman Family". They're playing at several different times today. One of the lady's shared, "One of the Konzelman's daughters was Ms. California last year." Interesting.

Hey,I'm not hard to please. At 1pm The Red Hatter's parade occurred spontaneously down the main drag. I snapped a photo and hope to attach it here. But if I don't, you can see your own Red Hatter just by doing the Puyallup. Note: Apparently the Red Hatter's main function as a group is-to have fun! What a concept! I also snapped a photo of two gentlemen cowboys. They ride some fancy steeds and call themselves "The Fables of the West."

My quest to find what seniors like didn't end there. One happy fairgoer told me "I like the Extreme Scream. It makes me feel good." I figure if she can do so can I. Not! And one more thing that makes the fair senior-friendly (or just if you don't want to walk) is the People Mover. This tram, pulled by a bright red tractor, picks up folk along the way for a free ride. It runs Mon-Thur 10am-7pm crowds permitting.

Then I sat down near a family while I was having my latte (available all over). The grandfather told me his 2 yr. old granddaughter milked a cow today, "The cow is not real but you can milk it just like the real thing. And since I grew up on a farm I know how important milking a cow is." He recommended I see the 3-day-old baby pigs. I can't say exactly where they're located but here's a secret: The News Tribune has an information booth located just to the left when you go in the Blue Gates. So go there and pick up an Official Program! They'll tell you all the is happening on the day you're here. Bye. Off for more fun.

By Kristen Butler, MSW

Here at the Fair, first thing I notice is how polite the parking lot attendants are. That's a good start. Entering the Blue Gates, I turn right and walk straight down to the Fair Care First Aide Building where I will be blogging in a small office upstairs.

Being a social worker, I always notice safety and prevention. One never knows. In front of the Fair Care building State patrol officers stand next to a wrecked car placed here to remind us to not "drink and drive" . Thank you officers.

In addition to this, they have education about loading up your load safely in your truck-bed. And for the car buffs-two antique police cars. Also, a special police car with the engine visible and POLICE MOTORCYCLES! (Great place to take the kiddies) And oh yes, I've already seen one group of what looked like preschoolers here to enjoy the fair. Cute as buttons. It's a beautiful morning-crisp and cool but sunny. Bring a sweater just in case.

I've got to sign off-I'm out to enjoy the day. Be back in a bit. As a Northwest Newbie, I am so enjoying the lovely skies and spectacular clouds. I know I'll be riding one ride today-the Farris Wheel. I know I saw one driving in. Off to adventure!

By Kristen Butler, MSW

Well, on my way to see the flowers I desided to stop at the restaurant building to do lunch. Lets just say 3 little words food -- food-- food.

And while we are here lets take the time to thank all the "moms" that work there to keep the tables clean. They do a Great Job. You might even get to hear the cooks sing.

No mom, we don't have to sing for our supper -- they will do it for us.
There is just so much to see and do. It is hard to try to pick out a few to talk about.

- By Velda Ruth

Well I'm back there is a lot to see. Over by the pavilion you can check out the pumpkin sculptors. They will be back on the weekend to do more, and these people do really great work.

If you like music go over in the Expo hall, back on the back wall you will find Gary Jess, every year I visit his both and get my new CD. I love his music. If you go to the Craft and More building you will find the people who sell Honey. I've visited twice now, to fill orders from friends.

You'll also find a place called Z-Coil, these people sell shoes and they are great. You need to feel to believe. While you are in that area don't forget to go over the the Wilcox barn, you can get ice cream and Milk (what ever body needs).

If you get a chance try out that "people mover" it's not bad, I had my first ride on it today. I think I'll go find it and take another ride.

- By Velda Ruth

Well I finally made it to the fair, again (Today is my day -- every other time I've brought someone to the fair).

This time I parked by the purple gate and had to walk through the buildings to get over hare.

A word of advice -- insides it's hot and outside nice and cool. So be prepared. One thing nice about coming first thing in the morning is less people.

- By Velda Ruth

To burn time, the four of us headed to see the art exhibit. I was impressed. There were a lot of rather local artist around, ranging from young teens to adults. I never thought our community was so artistic.

Well, I've come to the end of my fair blogging day, and I have to say that I'm rather surprised. I didn't expect to have as much fun as I did. Seeing the hypnotist a second time was so much fun. It's always something different, which makes every show something to go to.

See Travis Fox. I highly suggest it.

On the way back to the computer, I also came across the Showplex again. This time, we watched a demonstration of a cool devise that you can make your own sushi with. The set include everything you need: the tray, seaweed wrap, different shaped tools to make triangle and even heart shaped sushi with and also a knife [in our case, she was willing to give us two] for $40.

PS: Because I didn't say the first time...

Henna is a type of body art. There is one color, which dyes your skin for a limited amount of time. It stays up to 2-4 weeks depending on the area and how often you wash it.

- By Rayna Mumbower

The woman who did my Henna was very nice. She was very calming, and the Henna she did was gorgeous. The booth is near the Red Gate in an open area and soft music playing.

Henna starts at $10 and goes up from there. You can choose a pattern or image or have them go to work on their own. I allowed her to pick and set a limit. She free-hands it from there in the specified area to the set amount of money that you are willing to spend. It's beautiful.

The hypnotist. What an amazing show! It was the most entertaining thing of the day. Travis was hilarious. We're defiantly going to see it again at 7:00. He's been here entertaining for 14 years, since I was 3. That is such a long time, but you can tell he loves what he does.

He also sells CDs on different topics and problems that you want to solve or try to get help on. I'm interested to see if they work, but I can only assume that they do judging by the amazing performance. It's really something people should check out!

- By Rayna Mumbower

I got my onion rings. They were delicious and crispy, a perfect onion rings the way it should be. Homemade. Fresh. Amazing. The people that served us were also very nice and fun.

I'm not sure about a name, but it was an outside both with a bright yellow roof with food listed around it. It's very near the First Aid center, around the Red Gate entrance on Grand Avenue, but I'm sure there are more in other areas as well.

We also looked around the craft section [Hobby Hall] in the Showplex. They had an amazing amount of different trinkets, ranging from fudge to jewelry to different culture objects. I got myself a beautiful silver thumb ring at a Hawaiian booth in the this section for only $15.

Overall, the different crafts are very beautiful, homemade and also rather inexpensive. Every piece is different I highly suggest picking something up.

Next is most likely going to be Henna.

- By Reyna Mumbower

I've just arrived at the fair! Even though it's a bit rainy, it's still just as I remember from a few years ago. I can smell the onion rings and elephant ears, and it's making my friends and I rather hungry.

We're going to travel through the crowds and find something to eat. I'm rather surprised that so many people are here, but for Washington, this weather is rather good. First on the list is definitely those onion rings and fries, and I can't wait to taste them once more.

I also noticed a few things on the way in that I would like to go back to see. Right off the Red Gate is a lovely Henna booth that I can't wait to try out for the first time. My friends have gotten them here and there over the years, and I can't wait to get one of my own.

I also noticed that the hypnotist was back again, of course. The show is at 4:00 and 7:00 at the Coca Cola stage, and you can bet that we will be seeing that.

Anyway, I was mainly checking in, and will fill you in as the activities come.

On to those onion rings!

- By Reyna Mumbower

(Today's blogger Patty Mannie and her daughter Ginger sitting on their favorite "yellow bench.")

I love the Fair! Here I am again, this is my thrid time at the Fair this week and it has not been enough for me!

Last night we saw the Reba concert which was wonderful! She is a great preformer!

Today I am spending our annual "Fair Day" with my friend Mary. I met her back in 1985 when we both worked at Puget Sound Bank.

Today as tradition goes, we entered throught the Red Gate; bought a scone under the Grandstand and looked for the yellow bench. We sat in the restaurant building and ate our scones.

This historic building has several food choices so how can anyone go wrong by being able to choose Barbaque sandwiches; teriyaki; hamburgers, krinkle cut fries or donuts all in one place?

I love the excitement in children's eyes; the great food smells; the free pens, pencils, candy and maps you can get in the Showplex; the merchants trying so hard to get your attention; and of course the people who dress in Pig, Bunny, Cow and Horse costume and wait patiently while people get their photo taken.

Is there a happier place on Earth than this? Of course not! Who Can't Love The Fair??

~ Patty Mannie

I've had a good day, and I hope you did too. My bunny didn't win best of breed but she did get a blue ribbon.

So far, I've ridden on the Sky Ride -- it was absolutely AMAZING. I hugged Plasterman (which was kind of weird, but hey, what are you going to do. All you have to do is poke him in the knee and he'll hug you. Plasterman is a human statue and it's hard to tell if he's real or not. Don't be fooled, when you walk closer, you can see that his glasses have holes in them so he can see.

If you come to the Fair,you should check out the Fair Museum. It has lots of stuff, including horseshoes that were designed like orthopedic shoes for people. I'd like to mention that compared to this morning, the Fair is absolutely packed.

My advice is to go early in the morning so you can avoid the lines. So, we're going to walk around the Fair a little bit more, then head off to bed. I'll still be at the Rabbit Barn for two more days, but no more blogging from me.

I hope to see everyone who read this at the fair, and if you read it, let me know how I did.

Thanks for paying attention --

Hope to see you at the fair soon!

Kimmy Latsch =-)

I just got done with my Herdsmanship with my friend Sarah. Herdsmanship is something that each 4-H kid has to do while they're at the fair.

It means that we have to take turns keeping the barn clean and making sure that the rabbits are fed and watered.

Sarah and I also got to be "runners". We brought animals up for judging. I'm still waiting to see when my rabbit will be judged.

It could be late tonight because there are so many rabbit breeds to go through. We'll be checking in later. I hope we'll be able to tell you how we did.

- By Kimmy Latsch

Hi everyone --

well, it will be a while before I can update you. It's time for type judging in the rabbit and cavy barn. This is when the judges check out the animal and decide which one is "best of breed", etc. There are standards for each breed, and there are a lot of rabbits and cavies, so it will take a while.

Sarah and I are running cavies -- this means we return the cavy to its cage after it's been judged. Plus, I have to pay attention to make sure I know when they're judging my rabbits.

There really is something for everyone at the Fair. There are so many different kinds of foods, from scones to curly fries to empanadas and teriyaki. Some of it's expensive, and there are bargains in the Showplex and Sillyville areas.

If you like cars, you can check out the new trucks and classic cars -- you could even buy a chance at a Corvette. If you like animals, there are so many to check out. They had a dog show today where the dog was herding ducks!

And, just a reminder, there are lots of cats and dogs at your local animal shelter. If you need a loyal companion, you should check it out. And like Bob Barker used to say, "remember to spay and neuter your pet" so we can avoid homeless pets.

I'll check back in when the judging is done -- good luck Jasper and Juniper! (my bunnies)

Kimmy Latsch =-)

Hi everyone -- I have to say that lunch was very delicious. We ate at one of the stands in the Showplex, then checked out all the commercial exhibits. My favorite involved nail designs. I now have a dragonfly, ladybug, two flowers, and a French manicured nail. My left hand is now very, very pretty! You should come by and check the exhibits out.

My mom wore her pedometer today and has already walked 9000 steps. I think the Fair is very healthy and very bad for you at the same time. Healthy because of the walking and bad for you because of all the tempting food. Did you know you're considered moderately active if you walk between 7000 and 10,000 steps a day?

Hold on a second, I just saw a guy go buy who was on a moving surfboard scooter -- whoa, you never know what you'll see at the fair. He's not getting many steps in, that's for sure.

I hope you'll check back for more later.

But for now, we're headed to the Sky ride.

Kimmy Latsch =-)

Well, it's almost noon. Sat through my exhibitors' meeting -- my mom was listening, and my friend, Sarah, and I were checking out the other rabbits and cavies (guinea pigs).

We picked up our Puyallup Pack (my favorite was the KMPS) -- these are for kids since there is a Sillyville one. The first 100 people (I think) to get a Sillyville bag get a conductor's hat. The packs have lots of stuff in them, including coupons for here at the Fair and more coupons for everywhere else.

We also stopped by the Washington State Patrol display -- they're handing out stickers (I'm wearing one now). Right next to them is the Go Army booth, which has a rock wall. I can see folks getting a major kick out of it. Saw some folks take off on the Slingshot and listened to the screams (it's always to hear as long as it's not me).

My nickname is "Sockes", so that's why I absolutely loved the sock booth in the Showplex. Everyone should visit!

The Pavilion has 4-H displays of crafts and photography. There's even kitchen demonstrations going on all the time. You can also hear 4-Hers do presentations on different projects. Plus, for those of you with kids, there are great crafts. 4-Hers help out with them -- I'll be there Saturday.

That's it for now! I'll write more later.

- By Kimmy Latsch

Good morning people of Washington state or anyone who is watching the News Tribune's website right now. My name is Kimmy Latsch and today I got here at 8 in the morning to drop off my rabbits. Now they're all nice and cozy in the Rabbit Barn. (They are American Sables). Unlike last year, my two favorite rabbits in the universe have some competition.

As we walked out of the Rabbit Barn, we could just smell the scones and all that fair food starting to cook. It was soooo nice. This afternoon, I'm hoping to get my mom to buy me a Cow Chip Cookie, but that is not as important as the morning scone to wake me up.

I had hoped to share a photo with you, but we're encountering "technical difficulties". It was a shot of the area outside the Showplex, with no one around.

Well, I better go scope out all the rides. I'll be back later to tell you more.

Kimmy Latsch =-)

We had some technical difficulties with Thursday blogger Marcia Lee, but she was definitely out there "Doing the Puyallup" with gusto. Here is her last post of the day:

Before I headed for the Midway it was time for dinner. With so many choices it is hard to decide. I chose the german sausage and saurkraut. It hit the spot. While I was eating a group of street performers came by -- three hunky young men that called themselves "The Procrastinators." They are drummers extroidinare. They made their drum set out of bar
stools, plastic water cooler jugs and tin pans ... Boy did they rock! The crowd was
dancin'; me too.

While on the way to the Midway I peeked into the commercial vendors buildings. It's a good
thing I left my credit cards at home! But if you want to, the Fair is a great place to
shop. I still use the stone ware set I bought when I went to the State Fair in North Dakota.

I did bring some cash. I found a booth that sells these tricky hair clips, called "flexi-8." I had the gal teach me so I could do it myself. The gal running the booth was from Gig Harbor. I also bought Mom's Christmas present at another booth. Mom is reading this so I can't tell you! But it's soft and furry.

After that I found the Seattle Fudge booth. It is my personal tradition. Then I wandered through the Hobby Hall. You haven't lived until you see booth #16. A collection
of pez dispensers, hundreds of them! It's amazing what people collect.

I finally made it to the Midway. It was full dark by then and the lights were bright and
the crowd out in force. I stopped to watch the 'Extreme Scream' ride. They warn you before
you get on to take your shoes off if they are loose ... good idea. .Did I go on any rides? Nope. The days when I had a cast iron stomach are long gone.

I have barely scratched the surface on what there is to do and see. I think I shall come back next Thursday, my day off. The Steve Miller Band is playing in the grandstand that day.

Everyone Be Good! Bye Bye.
Truly
Marcia

(Posted by TNT fair blogger Marcia Lee)

It is late in the day now. I can look across from the office and see the grandstand
filling up. Tonite's performance is a group called 'MercyMe'.

I think I shall go check out the Midway.

It's hard to believe that this Fair started as a collection of tin sheds, with the
livestock tied up along a fence!

They've come a long long way!

- By Marcia Lee

(Posted by TNT fair blogger Marcia Lee)

Finally I made it to the draft horses. These animals are magnificent. The adults stand
more than six feet high at the shoulder and weigh 2-thousand pounds. The exhibition was held in the Paulhamus Arena.

There were three, four and six horse teams all pulling wagons, They trotted around the arena and each team did precision manuvers on a preset course. Watching these huge animals step in perfect time, just made me go Wow!

After the draft horses I peeked into the 4-H barn to watch the dog competition. Now this is what really brought back the memories.

I used compete every year in 4-H when I was a kid. I had a Corgi. We won't mention how long ago that was! I still have corgis.

Anyway when I was there a young man was in the ring competing in obedience with his little spaniel. It was great to watch. The boy was soserious.

The little dog was wagging her tail so eager to please. She yipped at the end of the exerciseand the boy at last cracked a smile as he bent down to give her a hug. The audience cheered and clapped.

- By Marcia Lee

(Posted by TNT fair blogger Marcia Lee)

I started the day over by the Gold gate and the Fountain Plaza stage. There are several
stages all around the fair and the acts are all top drawer.

I saw Karen Quest, She does cowgirl comedy and rope tricks. Her act is really funny. Beware audience participation required!

Then I was off to see the draft horse exhibition. On the way there I stopped at the
Showplace stage. You get there by turning left at the Blue gate. 'Billie and the Hillbillies' were on stage.

They play bluegrass and country music as you might expect from the name. When I arrived there was a gent playing his electric mandolin at what had to be warp speed.

It was awesome! When the two fiddlers, the banjo and keyboarder joined in the crowd started to hoot and holler. They were great! . . . I beat it over to the CD
table and bought one before the line could form.

- By Marcia Lee

ok guys i was at the weird al concert and he is so funny some of the songs he made fun of include : Gangsters Paradise, dont Cha, riding dirty and candy shop.
ok my day is up i hope you enjoyed my blog entries and have a great evening.
Good Bye :D
-Mikayla Douglas

ok soo i was feeling like the kid i am inside, so i took my friends on thhe swings, when you are in the air it feels like you are flying it was awsome !! The second ride i went on was the zipper i was scared at first but after i got on i turned the cage three times in a row it was soo much fun !!
next i will be attending the weird al concert.
I will update you in a bit :D
bye.

ok guys i just got off the ring of fire, it was a scary, but fun ride. I would suggest that you go on that at least once while you are here.The line isnt that long at all and its worth the small wait. But if you are afraid of being upside down i would suggest taking a ride on the ferris wheel wich is high but a slow mellow ride where you can get away from all of the noise and still see the fair,
well my next update is coming soon...
ok talk to you in a bit :D

so when i first arrived here today i stopped bt the "Hobby Hall" located by the extreme scream.
While i was in there i checked out my neighbor, Gene Schmitts refurbished WWll Willys MB jeep.
He sold it to the O'kelly family. Who now display it in the Hall. While looking at this jeep i took a glance at some pretty cool display's some of them are a collection of M&M'S, Pez, and jeff gordon.
ok i just wanted to share with you my time this morning.
ok bye.

Whats up guys ??
well on my way up here i walked over to the "plaster man", he is a statue that comes to life
it was reallly awsome to see him completely still one moment and come to life the next.
Another couple of things i did include: drinking milk from the dairy barn, ride on the haunted house ride and i took a fast ,wet ride on the water roller coaster :D
right now the lines are not that long, however it may take a couple of minutes.
ok be back in a while.
bye !!

hi guys back again i just expeinced the down side of waiting in a long line for my dizzy pass. the good thing is there are several windows at the booth so you dont have to wait in the long line most everyone is waiting at i saved about 20 minutes.
ok im going to go enjoy it now.
be back in a bit
peace!

Our blogger from Monday, Liza Brown of Puyallup, did a great job for us, but unfortunately didn't post as many times as she would have liked. Here Liza explains why:

Maybe she didn't have enough coffee, but my poor mom lost one of my boys (Monday). I had left to go blog across the fairgrounds, and left 3 of my 4 boys with her.
Grandma was checking out the Spiderman toys with my 5 year old and one of the twins looked away and wandered off a little. She turned around, couldn't see him, and started freaking out. After circling around the game booths 4 times, she spotted a cop and told him her situation. He immediately radioed all the gates to prevent a potential kidnapper from leaving the fairgrounds. Then they showed her the Lost Children Booth, which was only 40 feet away. My son showed up shortly after that. A nice ride operator had noticed him walking and sniffling mournfully.

There is only one Lost Children booth. It is located on Milkcan Avenue by the Carnival. All the information booths are linked to it with a central line. Also anyone in the fairgrounds with a badge is trained to keep an eye out for lost-looking kids and direct them there. Shannon, who has worked there for 3 years, recommends that as parents, we put a card with our cell phone number in our children's pockets so they can be retrieved discreetly.

The booth is also staffed by teen volunteers from local Boy Scout and 4-H clubs who can color and calm the kids while they wait for their parents to find them. I was called on my cell phone and went back over there right away. The ladies were kind and competent. I was grateful for the efficient protocol that was in place, and that shouldn't be suprising since the booth has been operating in the fair for 20 years. I am thankful to the fair staff, and so is my frazzled mom.

I did make it by the equipment display. Nice display of earth moving machinery.

Lots of children of varrious ages on the many rides. From all the screeming I'd have to say that they are having a swell time.

We passed by the Pig barn. And no the piglets have not arrived yet. But are due at any time now we were told. (Info update for any that may have been by there previously.)

I will have to say that I don't care that much for being around crowds. But here at the Fair I never give it a thought. Everyone is so friendly and courtious, spectators as well as the Fair staff.

So to use a past saying "come on out and Do The Puyallup."

Back again and here I've been talking so much about the adult level attractions and there are sooooo many family events here. Children rides, games, on and on. In short the Fair is Family orriented and families are arriving at a steady pace.
Oh, and no I haven't made it by the equipment displays. But it is on my schedule.
What else can I say! The weather is beautiful just come on to the Fair and have a swell time.

Well, I'm back again. Let's see; on my way here I passed through the Showplex building.
What an interesting place! Everything from Ag displays from the many Farms to commercial venders of many interesting and useful products.
You just have to come and look around to appreciate everything.
Eating, oh! so many selections. Too many to mention.

From here I'll be looking at the farm tractor displays and talk about them next.

And a very good morning to you from the Fair. (Puyallup Fair of course.

Having just set up our clock & watch collectors display in the Hobby Hall (my eighth consecutive year) I will write a few words about the Hobby Hall.
There are so many beautifull displays of hobby / collector items to be seen that you just have to take a slow walk through the Hobby Hall to see everything on display.
There is a very heplfull staff available to assist with any questions or help direct you to where to get your questions answered,

I have to get back to the clock / watch booth now.

From cool toys to amazing artisans, there are some amazing finds here in the crafts booths.
Once I navigated my 4 curious boys away from the breakable glass items, we discovered 4 memorable booths for you to check out. I will try to upload the pics, but if it doesn't work, please go check them out anyway!

3D Wood Puzzles. These educational toys are beautiful, hip and would make great gifts. They range from T-Rex, and Hello Hitty to the Space Needle. The cost range is from $5 to $40.

www.admin@3dwoodpuzzles.com

Metal Craft by Andy Urion. When these gorgeous handcrafted wall sculptures caught my eye, I turned my stroller so fast, I almost knocked over my own older children! The artist is from Seattle. I have to say as a mom, sometimes I forget to buy things for myself. Splurging on art that can't be broken by little fingers is very appealing.

www.seattlehomeandgardenart.com

Rainbow Rocks All Natural Scented Crystals. I tell you, this is better than scented candles and cheaper as well. These beautiful salt crystals are infused with essential oils in a variety of delicious smells like pomegranate or green tea. You can display them in a pretty silver bowl on your coffee table and you won't have to worry about the little ones swallowing them, as they taste terrible. A bag for $20 will last you for 6 months and includes oil to refresh it. A good buy.

www.thenaturalsolutionusa.com

King Silk Embroidery Art. WOW! These are luscious! This booth is just for grown ups. It is beauftifully framed art, where every stitch, leaf, and tiny detail is actually hand embroidered. From a distance they look like vibrant oil paintings. Honey, if you're reading this, I want one for Christmas.

www.SilkArt.ca

Most pack-mule moms like me end up lugging everything they need for a day out with the entire family. You know what I mean, a wagon loaded with a cooler, snacks, water, diapers, coloring books, etc. But if you forget something essential, or even just want someone else to pack it for you, check out the Puyallup Fair Pak! It is basically a backpack filled with everthing needed to nourish and entertain your kids at the fair and there are more choices for adults too!
Each backpack comes with juice, water, chips, (energy drinks in the grownup models) activites, sunscreen, and coupons for fair vendors and local businesses. They only cost $10-$15 each and have a $45 retail value. The adult packs are actually cool, and the coupons really do save you money here at the fair. My boys felt that they got a cool prize that they could take to "show and tell" tomorrow, and I was happy not to be spending $20 on something inflatable just to appease the need for a prize. We spoke with Lynn Goretti, who works for the fair, she told us that they started selling these last year and have received a great response. They are located off of Grand Ave. over by the rides.

Well, I can't beleive it, but if you have kids you should get here today for Monday Madness, all Funtastic Midway or Sillyville rides are only $1 Each excluding Exrtreme Scream. I usually spend $60 on rides alone for 3 boys to enjoy about 4 rides a piece and this one day only deal is AWESOME! I will now only spend $15 on rides today! Today only.

Good morning fairgoers and moms! By 9:45 am the Fairground lot by the Blue gate was already half full with families, seniors, and even business people sneaking out of the office for a day. The excitement on this sunny morning was infectious. On the way here, I loved seeing the cheerful residents of Puyallup renting out their lawns for parking, and with kids, I have to tell you, paying a local or paying to be in the lot as close as possible is worth it! Well, our first stop was for coffee of course at the friendly Gi'-Gi's espresso in the Showplex, and we tried a chocolate scone, it wasn't the famous Fair scone I learned, but it was still warm and almost like a donut, very tasty! Well the boys are dying to go get on some rides before the lines get too long, so, we're off......talk to you soon!

(From a Puyallup Fair press release)

Come see sculptures of four-legged creatures built from metal odds-and-ends, paintings that will leave your visual senses on overload, and an art form that creates optical illusions.

This year’s Puyallup Fair Fine Art Show is guaranteed to impress Fair guests with over 600 pieces of art created from different mediums and tools.

The Fine Art Show, located on the second floor Pavilion, is themed to help better guide Fair guests through the show. The themes depict artwork of maritime, culture, nature, portraits, black and white, abstract, concrete, and a lot more.

=> Read more!

(From a Puyallup Fair press release)

This year, for the first time at the Puyallup Fair, the Washington Junior Poultry Exposition presents the exciting, fast-paced action of Poultry Drag Racing.

Race day will be Sunday, Sept. 23 in the Poultry Barn, with eliminations starting at 3 p.m. So bring the kids, enjoy the Fair, and come experience the heart-pounding action of Poultry Drag Racing!

Meanwhile, stop by and visit your favorite poultry and cavies at this year’s fair.

From rabbits to baby chickens, these animal shows will thrill and entertain all Fair guests, so don’t forget to mark the upcoming dates on your calendar.

The animals will be shown on the following dates:

=> Read more!

(From a Puyallup Fair press release)

There is so much to learn about Boer, Pygmy and dairy goats! Some are dwarf in size, and all contribute to meat and dairy industries in some way.

Come witness their small statures and learn how they are raised. The 2007 Puyallup Fair will hold three open class goat shows in Livestock Barn H, Sept. 11-13.

=> Read more!

(From a Puyallup Fair press release)

Breanna Barker, a third-grader at Mt. View Elementary School in Puyallup won the blue ribbon for the largest giant pumpkin grown at the Puyallup Fair’s annual Pumpkin Weigh-Off Friday night.

Her 1,016 pound pumpkin beat out world champion grower, Joel Holland’s 862-pounder – but Holland played a part since she used one of his seeds from his 1,161 pound world champion pumpkin.

When she found out that she beat out all of the adult competitors, too, she started crying.

Check below for all results.

=> Read more!

(Posted by TNT fair blogger Patty Mannie)

Walking through the Expo Hall we saw a man giving away free New Testaments; a change to win free groceries from the Grocery Outlet; a chance to win a minture motorcycle and BJ's Barber College where you can get a $7.00 haircut.

Now how can anyone not enjoy the fair with all this to see in just a few short feet?

Walking outside the Expo Hall I saw a booth for Jack Daniels where you can enter to win a free cooler. Interesting. Then the exciting booth where you can enter to win to drive a race car once driven by Richard Petty COOL! Advil also has a booth giving away free pain reliever. You may need this after going on several rides... heheheheee.

I just love the Fair as I am sure you can tell. Of course, how can anyone not love the Fair when I have seen such exciting things in the first few minute of getting here?

My daughter and I are now on our way to eat another scone and see the animals, food demonstrations and the petting zoo.

- By Patty Mannie

(Posted by TNT fair blogger Patty Mannie)

I just LOVE the Fair! I was so excited to come to the Fair today. I would have come to the Fair last night as well, however, my daughter in law gave birth to our second granddaughter and we spent time at the hospital.

After parking my car at the Red Gate Parking Area, I began walking to the Fair. I could smell the food, cotton candy; hamburgers; onions; popcorn...mmmmm. I was ready for a scone!

Our family has a fun tradition of waking through the Red Gate, walking to Scone booth under the Grandstand and buying a scone. My daughter and I did just that! It was yummy to eat, fresh butter and jam.

My daughter and I then walked through the Grandstand and looked for my favorite yellow bench. It is a small wooden bench you can tell someone make years ago which is painted bright yellow. I hate to give my secret away, but I just love this bench. It is under the Grandstand across from the Nielson Popcorn booth.

- By Patty Mannie

Ever wanted to learn how to milk a cow but never had the chance to do it?
Head to the Dairy Cattle barn south of Hobby Hall and meet Mabel.

Kids can "milk" Mabel -- a plastic cow -- and water comes out. Pictured below is Amie Stockton, 13, of Puyallup, with her friend Elise Johns, 13, of Tacoma, trying the same from the other side.

After you learn the skill, you get a certificate/coloring paper of Mabel.

Amie and Elise said it's a lot of fun.

If you do the above...

... you get this.

What kind of a fair would it be without the famous Fisher scones in Puyallup?
The problem is there are always long lines at any of the Fisher scone booths.

So, what time is the best time to get scones?
"Usually, the later the better," one worker at a scone stand said.

The picture above -- the booth near the grandstand -- was taken around 5 p.m. on Friday. So, it might be best to pick them up on your way home from work.

Well, this is not a free service for the public, but pictured above is a professional cowboy taking part in the rodeo this weekend receiving massage from Jeanine Hurst, a massage therapist from Bremerton.

"They are pretty well-tuned athletes," Hurst said of the rodeo cowboys. "But they don't have time to rest."

Many of these professional cowboys travel from a rodeo event to another, falling from the barebacks and enduring cross-country traveling.

"I think it's more of the traveling than the rodeo (that hurts the cowboys) with all these back pains they've got," said Lisa Bertolacci, Hurst's colleague (pictured below).

So, which parts of their bodies do these tough guys get injured the most? -- Shoulders and knees, according to the two massage therapists.

The rodeo runs until Sunday.

There are many things you can do for free at the fair.

Pictured above standing on the Coca Cola stage is Travis Fox, a popular hypnotist entertaining a bleachers-full of crowd. People laying on their stomachs in the foreground are fairgoers who were brave enough to embarrass themselves in front of strangers. In this picture, they think they are sleeping after being hypnotized by Fox.

The Coca Cola stage is right next to the Hobby Hall, on its western side. Fox, and other entertainers, perform throughout the day, all for free.

The following is a list of displays and exhibits fairgoers can enjoy for free. For more informaiton, check www.thefair.com.

=> Read more!

From a Puyallup Fair press release (pictured above are the Clydesdales during the opening day parade).

The world famous Budweiser Clydesdales are sure to impress any Fair guest at the 2007 Puyallup Fair.

The Budweiser Clydesdales demonstration will take place in the Paulhamus arena, Sept. 7-10 at 2 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., and will be available for viewing Sept. 7-10 in a special tent barn near the Green Gate.

These spectacular animals must meet strict requirements in order to tour with the Budweiser hitch across the nation. At 6 feet, the giant animals are bred with beautiful markings and have a strong, muscular body.

Clydesdales weigh approximately 1600-1800 pounds, with mature stallions weighing more than 1 ton. They are capable of pulling over a ton at five miles per hour.

The Budweiser Clydesdales will be featured in the Western Rodeo Parade line-up on Sept. 7 at 10 a.m., the opening day of the Fair.

The parade starts on Meridian Street at Meeker, and travels south to 7th Avenue SW towards the Fair. Gate admission is free from 10 a.m. – noon on Sept. 7, with a donation to FISH Food Bank recommended.

Once inside the Red Gate, make an immediate left turn and find the Fred Oldfield Western Heritage Center. Oldfield, a western artist, is a friendly man who will be glad to shake your hands.

Ask him about his paintings, and enjoy his demostration. He'll be signing books and prints, and doing a palette knife demonstration each day at 1 p.m. On the weekends, take a seat and listen to the Rockin’ HW band play while surrounded by Fred’s paintings and artifacts.

If you are a fisherman, ask him about his fly fishing expeditions. He can talk fish for hours!

You always have the option to park on fair neighbors' front and back yards. The prices may vary, but most of them charge what the fair charges -- $8 or $10 depending on the day, according to Clinton Roy, 70, pictured below. Waving the customers into their lawn with Roy is Zack Sayler, 16, his grandson.

The price get cheaper as you get farther away from the fairgrounds. A lot of them were offering $5 parking a few blocks away from the fair Friday afternoon.

By the way, Roy and Sayler are on Second Street Southwest, just a block away from the fairgrounds.

When you pull into one of these neighborly parking lots, watch out for pedestrians. There are a lot of them on the sidewalks around the fairgrounds.

Fairgoers always face the challenges of avoiding traffic and finding a good parking spot.

Here's my advice: Avoid Meridian and any Highway 512 extis in Puyallup at all cost. Try finding your way to the west side of the fairgrounds, and to the Red Parking lot in the northwestern corner of the fairgrounds.

An alternative: If you are coming from the Tacoma area, get on Pioneer Way instead of River Road. At the traffic lights at the end of Pioneer Way, make a left turn. Then, make a right turn at the next traffic rights onto Fruitland Avenue. Then, make a left turn onto Seventh Avenue Southwest. You'll see the Red Parking lot on your right as you approach the fairgrounds.

Rememer to slow down because these roads around the Red Parking are residential streets.

Once parked in the Red Parking, go to the nearby Red Gate.

See. The lines to purchase tickets here are usually shorter than other gates.

After you purchase your tickets, say hello to Rosie Trujillo, the Red Gate supervisor.
She'll tell you; "This is the fun gate!"

This morning, hundreds of people lined up along South Meridian Street -- Puyallup's main drag -- to cheer for cowboys, marching bands and others to celebrate the opening of the 17-day Puyallup Fair.

If you missed it, below are some pictures from the cattle drive and parade.

Here are steers waiting in a trailer on Meridian just south of the railroad tracks to lead the parade with a cattle drive.

Wranglers wait in the parking lot of the Community Resource Center -- with a mural in the background -- before the release of the steers.

Now, the steers are released!

Young and old from the sidewalk chant at the cowboys and horses.

Some Puyallup downtown merchants were trying to cash in on the event. Pictured here is Pioneer Bakery.

The festivity seekers followed the trail-end of the parade to the fairgrounds. Here is a group of new mothers and their first babies strolling down Meridian to the Gold Gate. The fair is officially open!

For the fair's exhibitors, vendors and ride operators, the day before the fair's opening day might be the busiest day.

Pictured above are the grange displays in the ShowPlex. While the role of grange halls in Pierce County has shrunk with suburbanization of many once-farming communities, their representatives still are serious about putting on the best show. It's worth checking it out.

Below is a ride operator putting together one of the rides provided by Funtastic, an Oregon company that has provided the Midway rides at the fair for many years.

Shown above is not a line for the popular fair scones. These are fair workers waiting in line Thursday morning to get their passes at the fair's administration building.

The fair employs about 3,000 seasonal workers this year. They work in restaurants, retail sales, ride oeprations, barn work, game booth operations, etc.

Most jobs pay only minimum wage ($7.93/hour), but many people apply for these fair jobs because they just love doing it.

In the C.P. Huntington train ride in the SillyVille, the fair has added a turnnel with an outer façade resembling a mine shaft of days gone by (see the first picture below).

Once inside the tunnel, riders plunge into darkness, followed by 80 feet of sequentially lit-up scenes depicting dinosaurs in the Northwest (see the second picture below).

The ride caters to fairgoers of all ages.

The fair has added a new ride in the Midway. Shown above is The Haunted Mansion is for anyone over two years old and at least 36 inches tall.

The operator promises that the ride from California is sure to thrill any fan who likes a little darkness, full of haunted surprises.

It's located in front of the roller coaster.

Stock contractors have brought in their rodeo animals to the fairgrounds this week. The bulls and horses are quietly resting in their stalls, waiting for the weekend of rodeo in which they'll be kicking some dirt.

John Growney, pictured here, coordinates six stock contractors who provide rodeo animals that will perform at the Puyallup Fair Rodeo.

These are some of the top rodeo animals, just like the cowboys who will be riding them this weekend at the fair.

Below is one of Growney's horses -- Moulin Rouge, just arriving at the fairgrounds after a weekend of rodeo in Walla Walla and a 4 1/2-hours drive over the Cascades.

Fair workers are getting the grandstand ready for the rodeo. By Eijiro Kawada

This year's Puyallup Fair Rodeo is one of four playoffs in the PRCA 's (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) Wrangler ProRodeo Tour, and will bring the nation's top 22 cowboys to Puyallup.

Workers are getting the grandstand ready for the rodeo by bringing tons of dirt in and laying it on top of the asphalt (The dirt will be cleaned up overnight after the final day of the rodeo, which is Sunday, to get the grandstand ready for concerts and other events).