Blogging is a funny thing. There are tons of things to blog about here at the fair. The one thing that I keep thinking of is my Dad.

So Dad, this one's for you.

I want to say thank you. Thank you for the good memories from Puyallup Fair. Thank you for spending your hard earned cash on food, games, rides, and souvenirs. Thank you for letting make a Doo-Dah sand bird. Thank you for letting me get a black and white old fashioned picture taken. Thank you for standing around while I rode on endless rides. Thanks for spoiling me with scones, crusty pups, and cotton candy. Thank you for allowing me to have one of my first dates at the fair, going to the Beach boys concert. I haven't forgotten all the fun I had and how patient you were.

Now I have my own kids. Guess what. I am now standing at the Matterhorn waiting for them, just like you did. They are begging for a Doo-Dah sand birds. They want to play games and ride rides. They have enjoyed a Crusty pup and would love some cotton candy. Who knows, they may bring their first date here too.

The fair has treated generations of families to fun every year. It is exciting to know that I am giving my boys the same memories you gave me.

Dad, you are the best. Thank you.

xo Michele

We have all done it. Enjoyed a scone at the fair so much that we buy extra. Some folks microwave them the next morning to enjoy with their coffee. Some people order them up plain with hopes that freezing them will work. It just isn't the same. Nothing is better than a fresh scone out of the oven.

I love scones. With jam, plain, cheese scones, berry scones, any scones. The best scones, of course, are the Fisher Fair Scones.

I saw a box of "Fisher Fair" scone mix at Costco. I had to get it. It was pretty easy to make. You do a little bit of kneading. That isn't something I do everyday...especially with something made from a box. My boys and I mixed in water, kneaded, and cut out the triangle shapes. We got the hot scones out of the oven and loaded them up with home made jam and butter. Yummy! Mmmm, Mmmm, good. Just like the fair.

The box comes with 4 pouches. You can make a dozen scones from each pouch. All you need is water to mix it and some flour to knead it. You can do a variation by adding blueberries, cheese, or nuts. the box also has recipes for shortcake and gourmet waffles.

Enjoy!

xo Michele

When I come to the fair I feel a little gooey. Not from the food, but from the memories.

My husband proposed to me at the fair 14 years ago. I know that isn't what all girls dream of. You have to keep in mind that my husband grew up coming to the fair an was raised in Puyallup. He always thought the fair was a fun place with good memories.

This is how the story goes. After work he asked me to drive down from Seattle to go to the fair. I of course said, "NO!". I was tired and the last thing I wanted to do was walk around a bunch of animals and crowds of people. He managed to sweet talk me into it. Once we were at the fair I wanted to go on a ride, he refused. I wanted to go see an exhibit, he refused. I started to think he was being cheap! I asked why in the world did I bother coming here if you didn't want to do anything fun?

What I didn't know was that he had been at the fair earlier in the day. He made arrangements with the man at the skyride. (That is the ride that goes high above the fair grounds from one end to the other. You can see everything from up there.) He had asked the man to slam the door shut and place a huge heart on the outside. He had also asked friends to hold a 35 foot sign up while the "heart" skyride car went by.

So, we got on the ride. I had no idea there was a huge heart on the outside. He said, "Look down there!". I looked out the window and saw nothing. He got so worked up and excited that he physically moved my head so I wouldn't miss the sign that said "Michele will you marry me?" Everyone was waving. It was such a cool sight.

When we got off the ride there were people gathered around. He knelled down on one knee and gave me a ring. I said yes. I think at that moment all the animals sang a song.

I should have known this was coming. We ran into his mom and his sister. I just thought, "it's the fair of course they are here."

We have come to the fair every year remembering that moment. We still hold hands and smile. It is one of those things my kids think is great. How fun that dad asked mom to marry him at the fair!

I only have one regret. I wish we would have served scones at our wedding!!

xo Michele

Well, that was a lovely wet day at the Puyallup fair, and this proves that no matter what, the Washingtonians stick together (!) and go on the Extreme Scream which I was waaaay too chicken to do. My one regret for this fair is that I didn't go on the sling shot! Since last I wrote to you, I met a guy as obsessed with the Beatles as I am, and walked through the 4-h exhibits and way more of the expo hall. Right now though my parents and we are all pretty tired. Wow!I just looked out the window and saw one guy dressed up as a bunch of grapes and another dressed as a giant carrot. Wow you never know you are gonna see at the fair!! Toodles!! Ta ta for now!! Sincerely~ Kimmy E Latsch!!

The fair gives you the opportunity to challenge yourself. Wow! I had many very scary experiences so far today -- by going on two rides that I would not have gone one except for the urging of Sondra. One was Jumping, which takes you up, spins you around, waves you around in the air, lulls your into thinking you're going to stop. Just when you do, you're taken back up in an instant and spun some more until you gradually go down. The other was Fireball, which takes you up and makes you think you're going to hit the other cars, other people, and the trees. as we went up spinning and couldn't see anything even though it should be a great view, my friend Sondra loudly screamed "I can't see because of the stupid snow!!" It might be the last weekend of summer, but there definitely wasn't snow. Just a lot of rain.

So far, two thumbs up for the fair, and six raindrops down for the weather!! Would have shared a photo but the card reader isn't connected. Sorry folks!

nail designs,mink oil,chamois,and more!! the showplex is probably the best place at the fair to hang out while waitng for the rain to pass! with tons of demonstrations and samples all for free the showplex is in my humble opinion one of the coolest places to chill in the rain well offf to ride the rides toodles ttfn!! kimmy

Hi all people of the internet!! my name is Kimmy!! I'm 12 years old as you probably already read in today's paper!! It's pouring rain but in the true spirit of the northwest, we Washingtonians are keeping the fairgrounds packed as ever! so I'll go ride the rides with my bff 4evr Sondra and let u know more later bibi 4 now!! kim =-)

We enjoyed an earthquake burger for lunch and meandered through the Americraft Showplex checking out the vendors and contemplating what goods would work best in our households. Both Catherine and I never come to a fair without getting our handwriting analyzed. Among the many revealing personality traits I "have many artistic and creative talents". Catherine is "witty and bright". Boy do we love this! I did allow Catherine to get her lottery tickets and she talked me into getting one myself- using our lucky numbers from our horoscopes (I wonder which will be the luckier one???)

So much to do so little time. Unfortunately we have to depart for our regular lives but will leave you with some little known facts we have discovered.

An earthquake burger and an order of fries will easily feed a family of four. There is always the opportunity to meet a real cowboy, Fred Oldfield, at the Heritage Center (by the red gate). You can get a free "lucky" marble under the grandstand. And please remember when or if you cross Meridian with the police officers directing traffic - they also control the walk sign so you don't have to press the button on the post over and over and over again.

We will definitely be back next year

Elizabeth (see I remembered this time)

Wow, there is so much to see. We stopped at the Pavilion to check out the art work from artists from all over the pacific northwest. What amazing talent we saw. The featured artist this year is Sueellen Ross. She draws cats and dogs with realism that some actually look like photographs. Her birds look ready to fly off the paper!

Everyday there are demonstrations and today we stopped to talk to the quilters from the Puyallup Valley Quilters group. They tie quilts and donate them to local charities. Fastest fingers I have ever seen. (in tying those threads)

At the Centennial building among the many vendors we ran across Migi Nail Art. They paint flowers on one nail for free! We got daisies.

Now onto to the Americraft Showplex and Expo Hall. Maybe Elizabeth will let me stop to get my lottery tickets!

Catherine (Elizabeth forgot to sign the last post)

We've started our day with scones and coffee, and watched the 4-H'rs show their horses. If you want an enjoyable time to just sit and enjoy something, this is the place to be! We don't understand the procedures for judging but the smiles on the handlers faces makes you smile too.

Our next stop was the draft horse barn. Those Percherons, Belgiums, Clydsdales, and Shetlands are quite impressive. I guess riding one of those will sure make my butt look smaller =)

On our way out the sound of bagpipes drew us over to the cattle showplace. And lo and behold the highland cattle show was in full swing. We met Jan the bagpiper who was serenading the shaggy headed cattle during the judging.

Well we have made it into the fairgrounds and will be starting our annual jaunt around the Puyallup Fair. The cloudy and drizzly weather will never deter us from enjoying our day together as sisters.

Looking forward to the animals, exhibits, foods with no children hanging around and wanting only to go to the rides!!! We are looking forward to meandering through all the buildings and seeing what the Fair is offering us this year.

Catherine

In a few days we'll have 2008 numbers to compare these to. But just in case you were wondering how 'epic' the fair was in 2007, take a look:

-People bought 1,116,381 scones from Fisher Fair Scones stands. That took 60 tons of scone mix, 25 tons of raspberry jam and 15,000 tons of butter.

-Vendors selling Krusty Pups distributed 149,200 pound of wieners dipped in 20,300 pounds of fried Krusty Pup flour. That was a record-setting amount of batter, folks.

-The Extreme Scream attracted 32,000 riders. Those who partook in the aforementioned scones and Krusty Pups undoubtedly felt sick afterward.

Wow...what a day: rides, fries, smiles, entertainment, bumping into friends...the Schnellers...whom I had not seen in years...and finding a three year old girl at the CIS stage to give my stuffed dog to. I'll be back the last day of the fair to introduce singers, dancers, and cultural groups at the CIS stage. If you come by, say hi.
Dave

It's a great feeling to win a prize. After losing several bucks trying to win a guitar (it looked so easy to knock down the 3 glasses), I saw an open pool table. I wasn't interested in the prize at this point, only winning...something. They racked up four balls and I put them in the pockets and walked away with a stuffed dog. I felt kind of silly walking around with a stuffed dog until I saw a guy walking around with a pink monkey around his neck...only at the fair can you get away with that kind of sillyness...

I've been the the fair on three different days and each time I am greeted with a smile at the parking gate, a smile and the entrance gate, a smile from the food vendors and even a smile from guy who gave me my prize dog. I plan to give this dog away to just the right kid tonight...

FYI I heard someone say that the fair puts a half million dollars of its profits into scholarships for young people. Kids and education are the basic purpose of the Puyallup Fair.

Coming up on the CIS Stage (bldg. 40) starting at 6:15 are the band and choir from Mann Middle School, and two groups from Clover Park High School: Steel Drums and the Ensemble Choir. Great stuff.

Summertime again...I made a big mistake and wore jeans. Luckily I wandered into the hobby hall and enjoyed an air-conditioned stroll though dozens of amazing exhibitions. At the exit I saw one of my favorite foods: curley fries. A bit spendy but the Irish side of me took over and I gave in. Fries are great walking food and there are enough to get me back to the green gate area where I will enjoy the kids at the CIS stage.

Lines are pretty short today even though there are a lot of people. The fair is the place to be tonight in the moonlight.
Dave

Hello again...over the years I have learned the hard way that thrill rides are the first thing you do at the fair...before gorging. the Extreme Zone rides next to the green gate will jolt even the most hardened thrill seekers. I consider myself hardened yet could not resist screaming on the extreme scream. If you're with a friend it's even better (purchase one extreme scream ticket and you get a second one free...you heard it from me). I've heard Turbo Force is pretty crazy too.

After the thrills you'll be hot and thirsty so treat yourself to delicious dryers ice cream just up the green gate path.If you're starving I've talked to several people who told me that one of the most economical and filling meals at the fair is BBQ Pete's, on the green gate path across from the Communities In Schools "flying bus" and stage. Great taste and filling, a full meal with corn will feed two people. Speaking of Communities In Schools, I have had the good fortune of enlisting students to perform on stage. So be sure to wander over there after 4:00 today and take in the singers, dancers, choirs and more.

If you like oldies, Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons are on tonight at the main stage at 7:30. SO much to do...see you in a few.
Dave

Hey folks...this is a perfect day to slip away from work and catch the fair. If you've lived in the northwest as long as I have (35 years) you know that the weather is totally unpredictable...even the pros get it wrong most of the time. When the sun is out you have to go for it...and what better place to go than the fair. Great food, entertainment, intense thrill rides, gadgets, magicians...it's all there. If you come down today say hi to my buddie Chris who is living on a bus at the CIS stage, and enjoy the middle school and high school kids performing on the stage. Many of them are performing for the first time and your applause will be music to their ears.
Dave

Shadows on the fairground walkways are getting longer as the afternoon crowd slips away and those looking for what the Puyallup Fair offers when the lights come out take their place. Onstage tonight - "Fergie", whose show it was announced, was almost sold out.

My son and I succumbed to the lure of ribs from the Longhorn BBQ nearest the Gold Gate after successfully tracking down all but one of the art venues on this afternoon's list, leaving the missing exhibit to top our "must see" items on a subsequent trip.

It's impossible as veteran fans of the fair know to partake of all of the wonderful activities and experiences that the annual celebration has to offer in just one day, even if that day's weather is as perfect as this one.

While this party from over the county border to the north will make a quiet exit, those who have just arrived at the fairgrounds will surely enjoy the kind of evening that they will enjoy replaying in their memories for weeks to come.

So, until next time, see you around "In The Neighborhood!"

- Mizu Sugimura

Talk about dream jobs: I had the privilege of being a Puyallup Fair pie judge along with author Debbie Macomber and Washington State University food safety expert Marlene Angell.

Some years the contest calls for apple pies, and some years for cherry. This was the year for berries, scrumptious berries.

It's odd, judging and eating pie in front of a crowd without giving away your opinion, but the crowd is intent and gracious.

My favorite moment was when I cut into Karin Brown's delicious crumble-top pie. Her daughter, Quianna Brown, 9, jumped out of her seat and informed me that I was dealing with her mom's pie.

Karin home-schools Quianna, who speaks her mind and has big goals. Yes, she cooks with her mom, who is a star at crocheting and earlier in the fair took a blue ribbon with a decadent dessert involving four different kinds of chocolate, plus blueberries and raspberries.

But Quianna's working toward a future inspired by a visit to Sea World years ago.

"I'm a future whale trainer," she said. "Always have been. Always will be."

Here's the lineup of winning pies recipes, from first to third.

They are all original, and they are they're worth every briar and bramble their creators encountered during the hunter-gatherer phase.

Kim Arnold's Triple Berry Crumb Pie

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Crust
1 cup flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons milk
Mix flour, sugar and salt. Combine milk and oil. Pour oil mixture into flour mixture and stir until mixed.
Roll crust between waxed paper sheets and place in pie pan. Save the scraps for decoration.

Filling
1 cup raspberries
2 cups blueberries
2 cups blackberries
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed.
Mix sugar, honey and orange juice. Toss with berries. Pour berry mixture into crust. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

Topping
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon grated orange peel
6 tablespoons butter
3/4 cup pecans
Place flour, sugar, salt and orange peel in a food processor. Cut butter into fourths, add and process until crumbly. Add nuts and chop briefly.
After pie has cooked for 30 minutes, spread the crumbs over the top, return it to the oven and bake another 30 minutes, until bubbly.
Yield: One 8- or 9-inch pie.

Mary Dahlquist's Fabulous Blackberry Currant Pie
Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Pastry
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup Crisco shortening
3 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
5 to 7 tablespoons ice water
1 tablespoon half and half

Mix the flour, salt and sugar. Using a knife, cut in the shortening and butter until the mixture is the size of sugar peas. Using a fork, gradually work the ice water into the flour until the mixture clings together. Do not over-mix.
Shape dough into balls, then flatten slightly. Roll dough out on a floured pastry cloth. Place bottom crust in an 8 3/4-inch pie pan.

Filling
4 cups blackberries
1/4 cup dried currants
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/8 teaspoon orange extract
1 tablespoon butter

Combine fruit. sugar and cornstarch and bring to a boil in a sauce pan. Reduce heat to low and boil one minute. Add orange extract when slightly cooled.
Pour into bottom crust and dot with 1 tablespoon of butter. Cover with top crust, roll edges together and baste with 1 tablespoon of half and half.
Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 400 degrees and bake 30 to 40 minutes longer.

Judith Delaney's Black & Blue Pie

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Crust
3 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups shortening
1/3 cup cold water

Combine flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in shortening until mixture is the size of small crumbs. Cut in water. Divide dough into two balls, chill, then roll out.

Filling
2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons tapioca
1 1/2 cups little stump crawler blackberries
1 1/2 cups huckleberries
Dash of salt
3 tablespoons butter
Combine sugar, tapioca and salt in a bowl. Add the berries, mix well and pour into bottom pie shell. Dot with butter. Place top crust on and seal edges. Bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes.

After considerable discussion we all decided to eat good old fashioned fish and chips at Spuds & Chips (Since 1935) under the bright blue banner! Our friend ordered a one-piece halibut and chip and my son and I split a plate of prawns and chips.

Not to worry about our small orders, as we've been enjoying other fair treats over the day as we've wandered about - all on foot I'll add. No nifty transportation options for this bunch, at least for the day!

Before heading here to blog, the sure and confident decision making to select from many choices of political campaign buttons for sale was not with me. I left the booth of choice empty-handed. However, complete tragedy was averted as my well-informed and always helpful son reminded me that I also retain the option to order such merchandise on-line in the comfort and more serene surroundings of home.
Yeah!

The gorgeous and cloud free weather continues to hold. As the hours trip by, the weather may end up holding up better than participants like ourselves. Before we fall victim to complete exhaustion, I'm hoping to find the booth where Federal Way artist Charan "Creative with Clay" Sachar has work on display.

Last year I was lucky enough to land placement of one of my own works, a mixed media collage in the annual juried Art Show featured on the second floor of the Pavilion. If I recall correctly a colorful palette of 15 or more artists from our neck of the woods were also featured in the same show. I want to see who made the cut this year - and get some inspiration for a possible second try in 2009!

And we won't forget to catch one of Federal Way's most celebrated artists, I'm speaking of the one and only cowboy artist Fred Oldfield whose work has been enjoyed by Puyallup fairgoers and guests for years.

- Mizu Sugimura

Two hours later....it's our lucky day! Falling in behind the crowd of red hat ladies at the entrance wasn't an accident. Just came from a fun little parade which began at the Park Bistro down the walkway to the fountain and back again featuring a bevy of none other than...two fully loaded people-mover trains loads of some of the most friendly and beautifully attired red hat women we've had the pleasure to see.

At the risk of declaring myself an antique, having been back and forth to the Puyallup fair over five decades...it's hard to be NOT impressed at the variety of transportation options now available to the fair-going public.

Babies naturally bring along one or more trained personal drivers. Seniors who prefer to pound less pavement than in previous years may now opt to personally drive themselves on the scooters especially designed for their own market, a self-powered or human driven chair.

Although I haven't yet seen anyone traveling on the walkways today traveling via four-legged transportation, I have memories of such from years past.

My son's now talking about BBQ as we've opted for a late lunch. Since this morning we've been joined by a long-time friend and long-time Pierce County resident who arrived in one of those sleek new motor scooters, a model hefty enough (in appearance) to look like a "real" bike.

Met her about twenty-five years ago when we shared another lifetime as young mothers. She was gracious enough to take a few hours of her very busy week off to rendezvous with us for a short time, before dashing off later this week to get a first-time look at "The Big Apple" - the other great city of destiny over the weekend. We'll be back later...

- Mizu Sugimura

The sun is out, the sky is blue and it's a wonderful day to visit the Puyallup Fair! My adult son and I had a pleasant and congestion free drive into town from Federal Way. After parking we followed a group of red-hat ladies into the fairgrounds.

Once inside, I took advantage of a brief sit on the handsome wooden slats which covered a nearby bench in front of the Fair Administration office to collect my thoughts and give one last inspection of the contents in the bright scarlet print French-style wheeled shopping bag I took from the closet at home to carry around what "equipment" I'll need for today.

While occupied with this important task, one of the eye-catching multi-car people movers pulled into view with retinue of fair attendants clad in uniforms showing off various versions of a spotted-cow print. Noticed the gal closest to my line of sight wore the pattern on a pair of stylish cut-off overalls. So chic!

Meanwhile a gentleman with a no-nonsense look who also selected shorts as his attire today strode by totting an impressive video camera emblazoned with the KOMO television logo, before stopping several yards away to briefly capture several feet of the festivities unfolding just ahead...

As we are running a few minutes behind our original schedule this stop (for blogging) is our first activity of the day! And now we'll be off to partake of the festivities. See you later!

Today as I browsed upstairs in the Pavilion, no less than 8 times I overheard different people say "I never knew this was here". I thought that was odd as this is the building I go to first and stay probably the longest. The wonders to see and learning potential are awesome. Every home art you can think of is represented for display. There are demonstrations and competitions.

Today even a local author was judging the Puyallup Fair Pie contest. I entered but to no luck...got a runners-up kind of showing but that is okay. I learned what I could do better to win another time. I did however win the Ghirardeli Chocolate contest. Yahoo!

There are many contests throughout the fair. Upcoming on Wednesday, Sept. 17, is the Fair scone contest and on Friday the 19th is the special jam and jelly contest. Both of these contests are a preregistration due in August so get ready to enter next year. Products made within the last 2 years are eligible. But come out and watch the competition and judging to prepare your self or just enjoy the fun and tension. The entries arrive between 10 and 12 and the judging begins by 1pm. I hope to see everyone there. I will be, hopefully with my 'A' game.

Enjoy and take it all in. Don't miss out on your very own Epic Fun.

-Karin Brown

We demonstrated knitting in the Pavilion upstairs. I did some knitting on a Barbie doll dress and I started on a book mark. A girl knitted a couple of rows on my project. She is good.

Hey everyone, if your feet are tired and you are at the fair Monday through Thursday then you need to find a people mover stop. Find the nearest one to you and wait for the people mover to get to you. It is a tractor pulling seats on wheels with canopy's. You can ride all around the fair for FREE!

If you are hot and sweaty then you need to cool off with a slushy. You can get it at the slush factory anywhere near you. Refills are even more affordable for mom's budget.

This Morning in the Pavilion was a pie contest and one of the judges was a book author. My mom likes to read her books. Her name, the author, is Debbie Macombre.

That's enough for now.

-Quianna Brown

If you have children, I suggest two trips. One for the kids and one for you!! Kids are not so much into the arts and crafts part of the fair, but they are into the rides, food and games.

This might cause a little change in moods with the kids when you take them off the rides, to look at the arts and crafts, the Pavilion has to offer (and lots of other little booths). Likewise, this might cause a change in moods with the parents when they are not able to (peacefully) look at the arts and crafts because the kids are screaming to go back on the rides!!

I suggest two trips. One for the kids and one for the parents. When you bring the kids, get out of the mindset of looking at all the stuff you like, instead, agree to the rides and games they are so excited to go on. The second trip, the kids need to stay home and the parents need to go!!! This time, it's all about them and they can do what they want and enjoy every minute of it!!!

Michelle Vestal

The fair today is a lot less crowed then normal. Today is Military Monday (military ID card holders get in free) so you would think it would be a normal Monday madness day, but it's not.

The lines are short, and the weather is nice. Everyone is smiling and enjoying themselves. I see an older crowd here today, that might be the excitement for most of the fair goers!!!

I am sure it's going to get a little more busy tonight, so I suggest if you don't like a lot of people at the fair, come in the morning. If you don't mind either way, I say, come anytime, any day and enjoy what the fair has to offer, only two weeks out of the year!!!

Michelle Vestal

Silly Ville is just that, lots of kids being silly. This is the new kids park and it's GREAT!! Lots of kids rides and lots of food booths around to feed those hungry kids!!!

Kids get excited to go from ride to ride and with them being right there in one central location, it's a lot less walking for both parents and kids.

Before you enter the fair, ensure you speak to your children about what to do if they get lost. Make sure they know to find a Police Officer and NEVER talk to strangers. If they are old enough, make sure you find a meeting place if you get lost from each other. This might make your time here a little less stressful when it comes to the fear of losing your child or children.

Michelle Vestal

The Extreme Scream is just that!! Everyone is extremely excited while standing in line, but once they are on the ride, all smiles of happiness are gone, soon to be replaced with complete fear of what was coming!! After a couple LOUD screams, the ride is over and everyone is back to smiling again!! WHAT A RUSH!!

Michelle Vestal

So many great things to see this year. I recommend coming more than one day if you can. Take it in sections, come early and be done before the crowds get thick. It seems like a great turn out this year. I would not be surprised if there are record breaker days.

-Karin Brown

Oh my goodness! The planting patch is soooo much fun! I got to churn milk into butter and the rest is called butter milk. There are so many things to do and the vegetables are so huge. There is tall corn and great big pumpkins oh and other big vegetables too. There are lots of things for kids to do, so if you are a kid or a child then you must go to the planting patch. It is over by SillyVille.

Oh yeah, you can get your face painted for free. There wasn't a line so I got 3 paintings. One was a rainbow horse, and a butterfly with sparkles and then I got hearts going up my arm. Green for mom and red and purple for me with glitter too. It rocks.

Lets see, at the planting patch you can learn about carding wool, doing laundry like your grandma might have done, grate cinnamon for chicken or pies, grind grain for flour ... they even have a saw for cutting wood or planing, that is making the wood smooth for table chair legs.

I want to go back there again!

-Quianna Brown

I love hand crafts. It is so exciting to see more entries this year in the Pavilion.
The quilts, afghans, culinary foods...bread, cookies, candies, pies, cakes...and so much more!
The competition is stiff this year... even a score of 95 may not get a blue ribbon...I sure feel for the judges. What a tough job that must be.

I was demonstrating one evening and over all the 'music' of the fair I heard one lady exclaim, "You won, You won, your first time entering and you got a first!" Then a few minutes later the same voice said, " Yahoo, you did it again another first and a second, wow great job!" One of the floor monitors went over and personally congratulated the young woman. They did not have a camera with them so the floor monitor went and got the camera used to photo graph the contest winners and took her picture. The photo will be gotten to her. That is over and above to help the memories of one family.

So I encourage, bring on your talents and show your stuff. Let's see if we can facilitate the need for more cabinets to display our creations!

-Karin Brown

WOW! There are lots of people today. In the stadium there is a fiesta going on. I think it is mostly in Spanish. They are dancing to loud festive music. I think it would be great to have a speaker to attach to the shoes of the dancers. That way you could hear the sound of the dancing better.
There are a lot of colorful costumes. They are beautiful.

I love those 4-H'ers and their horses. We got to see the flag barrel race...WOW they sure can go fast. There was one girl and it was her birthday. She did so good that she got first place. She must have been happy. Another girl and her horse did not do so well, she was the fastest and that was really good, but her horse stepped out of the big white rectangle and that disqualified her and her horse. That made me bummed!

That's all for now...we are going to mosey along.

-Quianna Brown

This year we will really be 'doing the fair'. We, my daughter and I will be demonstrating 10 times. Eight of those will be for crocheting and knitting. The other two will be scrap-booking. On those days we are taking in a little of the fair each day.

This last Monday we went on ride after ride after ride.......oh MY! Lunch was very late that day and then it was just ice cream...as a mom how often do we just let go and have fun? To watch my daughter 'Wow' at the draft horse, look in wonder as I say yes to ice cream for lunch and yes in sympathy as I turn green on the rides. These are the times I wish I had a video camera in my eyes to record for others to see the joy.

One memory I have is watching a mother and child just dancing without a care in the world. They were out side one of the children entertainment booths, it is on the way to the green gate. The children get to be a part of the show. This Mom, totally uninhibited was dancing with her child...this is the awesome freedom shown in the joy of a child experienced too with the parent.

-Karin Brown

Last Monday was AWESOME! We were here all day. The rides were only 1$ each ride. My Mom and I went onto the Scrambler. I screamed and screamed and then laughed a lot. My Mom turned green just like her eyes. I squished into her and that made the ride even more fun.

Friday was the Parent Child cookie bar contest. We made peanut butter and jam brownies with white chocolate. You can view the entries upstairs in the Pavilion. We did not win this year but there's always next year.

Today I will help Mom demonstrate scrap-booking. I will tell more about that later, after we are done.

Quianna Brown

The 4-H Robotic competition was today. It was so awesome to see those kids program a robot to clear a cotton ball avalanche among other things under a time constraint.

Marlowe's is always a great place for meals. While they have fair fare that is tasty, Marlowe's appeals to me because of their non-traditional fair offerings. Sandwiches, corn-on-the-cob, and various soups are served for a reasonable fair price and are really good.

Many fair sights aren't at the fair for the whole time. The Puyallup Fair website has a feature that allows you to check on what is at the fair when.

It may not be a "state fair", but the Puyallup Fair is a wonderful, fun, exciting, and entertaining fair.

~Carrie Corter

Sad news: scones are now $1.25! They were $1 for as long as I can remember. They do have cheap bottled water for $2.00 (well, cheap fair-wise).

There have been lots of questions about where various exhibits are at the desk in the rabbit and poultry barn, especially about the about the lack of poultry!

This weekend the rabbit and poultry barn will be full of 4-H rabbits and cavies (AKA guinea pigs). There are a few birds hanging around the barn now, though, including a bunch of chicks.

The second most requested exhibit is Animals of the World. They won't be here until mid-next week but will stay until the end of the fair.

This may be one of the earliest posts.

Long before the ticket booths open out front staff, volunteers, exhibitors, and others have been up for hours getting ready. I just come from the 4-H rabbit and cavy (guinea pig) barn where I'm volunteering this year and throughout the fair exhibitors are busy cleaning, feeding, watering, and grooming their exhibits.

The Puyallup Fair is the gracious host of the Washington State 4-H Fair. There are 4-H people showing here who are from right here in Pierce County and there are people from Asotin. They are all putting tons of effort into their exhibits so you can enjoy the fair come 10am!

~Carrie Corter

The room where I am sitting right now is booming with noise. The concert tonight, which features Varsity Fanclub, Prima J Jordan Pruitt, and Clique Girlz is rocking out. The sound waves are traveling from the Grandstands and are vibrating my computer mouse. These performers seem to have a large following of teenyboppers. I can hear loud shrills and shrieks from the predominantly pre-teen girl audience, and probably those from their chaperone mothers as well. :-)

This concert makes me think of one of the greatest joys of the Puyallup Fair, listening to music from your favorite radio station. When it comes to the Fair, it is appropriate to be thankful for radio stations. Creating a community of listeners in a large Western-Washington area is not a simple task, not to mention live concerts would hardly exist without radio stations and their sponsorship and promotional expertise. From live broadcasts, free concert tickets, a chance to meet the DJ’s, an opportunity to win drawings, and endless supplies of logo pens and window clings for your car…nothing is better than finding your radio station on the fairgrounds. I happen to spell country with a “K,” despite my complete aversion to misspelled words. Yes, I am a diehard, true, blue KMPS fan…and this is not only because I promote for the station, but because I love country music. :-)

If you happen to be a fan of KMPS, KISS, KZOK, or Jack FM, or if you like a good buy…you may be interested in the Fair Pack Backpack. Backpacks with station logos come in a variety of styles and include a sampling of chips, energy drinks, and juice, along with coupons for the Fair, which includes numerous other offers from businesses in the area. Priced at $15 for one and $20 for two…there isn’t a greater deal in all of Washington! Have you been backpack shopping lately?? Prepare to dish out lots cash, because they aren’t cheap. I guarantee you won’t find a better backpack deal. Although I may have a slight bias as a CBS Radio employee, these backpacks are awesome and you can get yours next to the Extreme Scream while supplies last.

As I prepared to purchase a backpack, a couple walked up to the Jack booth to buy a pack. Upon learning how a $5 increase could provide an additional backpack, they turned to my mom and me and asked if we wanted a backpack because they did not need the second bag. Hurrah!! We gratefully took the bag. We really appreciated the generosity and kindness of the couple and would like to thank them for the amazing gift. Getting a free backpack truly was a treat and put a smile on my face for the rest of the day. In fact…I am still smiling!

Well, this wraps up my blogging for the day. I’m headed home to enjoy some sleep and then I will be back at the Puyallup bright and early tomorrow morning. I’ll be at the KMPS rolling radio trailer for most of the day giving away temporary tattoos and monitoring our new karaoke setup with Playstation where listeners can win tickets to the CMA’s! Stop by tomorrow to check it out and say hello. Enjoy the Fair!

-Kristina Stambaugh

Consumerism; we are surrounded by it constantly, and the Puyallup Fair is no exception. At the height of the Fair season, vendors work hard to sell their incredible products…many of which you can only buy here at the Fair or on television. Year after year we buy it, and year after year we love it.

But what can I say…my life will simply be incomplete without that cool contraption that cuts vegetables into the shape of stars, or all-day, long lasting lipstick in every shade of rose known to mankind. Truthfully…you will probably live a long, fulfilling life without these extra goodies including the spray painted shirts, neon green, zebra printed hats, and car shams, but what fun would that be?!?!? Spending an extra dollar or two is part of the Fair experience, and I am no exception to the consumerism trap that lurks in the aisles of the vendor buildings. I buy into it; so does everyone else. I’ve been watching the droves of people with shoe polish, home décor items, and overly large stuffed animals. I find that I sometimes fall into this consumerism blindly, while other times I know perfectly well what is happening and relish in the beauty of exciting, yet sometimes unnecessary spending. To date, I have spent money on political buttons, which I adore, but am too chicken to wear them in public, in fear of negative social repercussions when I go back to school. I have my eye on a new toe ring; however, the one I have now is happily nestled on my toe, fulfilling its purpose perfectly. I had to talk myself out of buying a backpack I didn’t need...which was a good choice in the end, but it took me a couple hours. That goes to show how the combination of environment and exceptional sales people can get in your mind!

My mom can hardly wait to purchase more knives to add to the set my sister and I bought her last year. And although I have made great use of the nail polish pen set I bought last year, my dad’s car wax sits in the garage, untouched. Some of the Fair spending is beneficial, some excessive, but all enjoyable, and is inherent in the Epic Fun of the Puyallup Fair. The only suggestion I have for avoiding this “must buy” mentality…visit the Hobby Hall. You can have a good time looking at thousands of fancy erasers, antique Barbie dolls, and massive Lego creations, and instead of adding to your current collections, you can look at someone else’s. :-)

-Kristina Stambaugh

The sun isn’t the only bright yellow object in the sky today at the Fair. As you approach Silly Ville, it is impossible to miss the school bus that is suspended 14 feet in the air. Puyallup School District Communities in Schools Executive Director, Chris Loftis is literally “hanging out” in the bus for the 17-day duration of the Puyallup Fair. Raising money for After School Programs on Wednesdays, Chris has devoted himself to a 24-hour a day habitation in the high in the sky school bus. And if you think one school bus is exciting, Communities in Schools (CIS) have decked out their display with another bus filled with books donated by Reading Tree. Every elementary student can receive one free book from the bus, and chapter books can be purchased for $1-$2, with all the proceeds going toward CIS. A stage located underneath the bus also provides entertainment where Jest in Time Circus groups and other school and youth oriented teams perform for Fair spectators. CIS at the Fair is one happening place!!

I know you are thinking that this sounds awesome, but you are still stuck on the third sentence in the last paragraph. How on earth is Chris Loftis living in a bus for the whole Fair?? Well, anything is possible with portable toilets and showers, my friends. With a few adjustments to your typical school bus, Chris is making it happen. So don’t worry, all his amenities have been taken care of. You can even see his Dawn dish soap through the window.

If you get a chance, stop by the CIS display and help make a positive impact on the lives of Puyallup School District students. And if you remember, buy a scone for Chris and toss it up to the bus for him. I’m sure the irresistible smell of Fair food and his week long captivity is driving him close to insanity. :-)

-Kristina Stambaugh

“You can do it at a trot, you can do it at a gallop, you can do it real slow so your heart won’t palpitate…” I hum this tune as I enter the Puyallup Fair for the sixth time this season. Although I have lived in Puyallup my entire life, and have spent most of the past week working at the Fair with 94.1 KMPS FM, the novelty and the excitement of the Fair never eludes me. What I look forward to most about the Fair is wandering around, trying to decide what fatty Fair food will bring the most joy. When I have difficulty deciding on one Fair food favorite, I spend a great deal of time figuring out how I can possibly eat several entrees in one meal. Maybe a teriyaki plate from the Younglife booth will complement a block of freshly greased curly fries? Is it too much to enjoy a pork pulled BBQ sandwich from Longhorn and eat a hand-dipped Krusty Pup in one sitting? Can’t I justify eating an Elephant Ear on one side of the fairgrounds, letting the cinnamon sugar goodness settle as I attempt to walk off the calories by roaming to the other side of the Fair to grab a funnel cake? And there can’t be anything wrong with buying a dozen Scones to take home and save for later. I’ll tell you, “Doing the Puyallup” is an art. It takes special discipline and organization to consume all the delectable food the Fair has to offer in one day. As tough as it may be…I’m up for the challenge. :-)

You may deny the fact that you are addicted to Fair food. People can say that they like the Fair because they enjoy looking at the goods vendors are selling. They may also like looking at the animals, or feeling the thrill from riding the rides. The carnival games may be somewhat of a draw, but if you ask me, the Puyallup Fair attracts large crowds day after day primarily for the food. You know you have already contemplated what you are going to splurge on when you visit the Fair this month. In fact, I am thinking that all this talk of food is making my tummy rumble. My time is up and I need to return to the KMPS booth by the Gold Gate, but I think I’ll grab a caramel apple on my way. ;-)

-Kristina Stambaugh

If you haven't been to the fair in a while you really should take the time to come on down.

There is so much more than past years. Everything looks updated and clean. There is security, family atmosphere, and modern facilities. They have added a lot more seating areas with tables to eat at. This isn't the same fair it was even 3 years ago. The buildings are bigger and offer more variety. The Sillyville area looks great for people with younger kids. They even offer kid friendly meals and prices.

I have to mention that the Pavilion building near the gold gate is dedicated to local schools and state universities. If you want to sign up for community college, a university, or admire work from area students this is the place to go.

Well, that's it for now.

xo Michele

PS. Pizza on a stick looks interesting. Are you brave enough?

What is a Pork Wing? Strange isn't it? Pork with wings? Makes no sense. So, I didn't try it.

The Nitro ice cream is creamier. A previous blogger said it was and they were right. Yum.

I forgot to mention in my earlier posting that you can also receive a haircut and teeth whitening. Isn't that what we all come to the fair for. Whiter teeth and a fresh hairdo.

How about a Piroshky? Yummy! Warm fried dough with a filling. We had the salmon and cream cheese for $7.50. We decided to purchase our beverage from the vending machine. A 12oz. can was $1.50.

Please make sure to see the huge mamma pigs. One of them has several piglets already. The other is due to have her babies on Friday the 12th! They leave the area open to the public during the birth. That could be something to write about.

If you are looking for your McCain or OBAMA sticker, pin, or yard stake you can get them at the fair. They are located in the Americraft building.

Just want to shout out to 100.7 the Wolf. I wanna win the darn guitar!! Oh well.

One thing I have to mention is the car that is in front of the blogging area. It is a smashed up wreck. Sadly the driver, Shane Wyrsch, was killed. He was a police officer and family man. How sad that this wonderful man was taken so soon with such nonsense. Don't drink or do drugs and drive.

The other thing I want to mention is to remember to recycle. There are plastic and aluminum waste bins around.

xo M

You can buy anything here!! Besides the obvious things like food and souvenirs, you can buy something for everyone on your list.

I have seen mattresses, sushi makers, sauces, spices, sewing machines, squeegees, polish pottery, jewelry, cookware, bird whistles, car polish, finger nail files and so much more! My buddy Melissa invested in some Cutco knives. Isn't that what we all need? I am soooo jealous.

As far as personal services...can you believe it! You can get a back massage, foot massage, hands massage, get your jewelry cleaned, henna tattoo, hair curled, fortune told by a computer, dog tags, and various other fun fair activities.

If you need something for your home they have it all. Hot tubs, cars, sliding doors, air conditioning, siding for your house, gutters, parking signs, and it goes on and on.

There is the Seahawks booth for the fans, radio station booths for the listeners, and of course the New Tribune for the readers.

You can catch a grandstand show tonight too! Josh Gracin and Sara Evens. I can hear them warming up. Sounds so good. Wish I were going.

Wow, back to eating and shopping. Be back soon.

xo Michele

Hello from the fair! I am here today with my friend Melissa. She is such a lovely assistant. :)

We came in the green gate today. The parking attendant was so easy going and friendly. I always appreciate calm, kind people.

When we came in we found this booth called "2 for 1 Bargain Shop". They offer a variety of burgers, chicken nuggets, and fries. We couldn't help but notice what a deal it really was. You can get two cheeseburger for $5.55 and two orders of fries for $3.33! That is such a great deal. We could both eat for less than $10. They have two Bargain shops at the fair. One is located at the green gate the other near the gold gate.

As we made our way through the fair grounds a man at the Mountain Mist water booth stopped us and asked if he could trade our water bottles for his brand. We asked why? He told us that our brand had salt and his didn't. Sure enough, he was correct. Salt was listed in the ingredients. So, if you need a free H2O refill or need to rehydrate these guys at Mountain Mist are passionate about their water. They would love to give you a drink.

Melissa and I both noticed how clean the fair grounds are. They have people all over cleaning and picking up garbage. Hand washing booths are located throughout the fair. This makes for convenient clean up after a sticky treat. Great for parents with young children.

Something I hate to admit is that we already ate a Crusty Pup. It was only 10:30 in the morning. It's always a good time for a Crusty Pup!

We see a tour bus at the grand stands. I wonder who's in there??

Okay. We are off to eat and shop some more.

Be back soon.

xo Michele

If you've ever wanted to check out music from the Andes region in South America, this is your chance.

The Quichua Mashis musical group is playing until 9 p.m. today by the Green Gate, near the bungee ride.

I walked by and couldn't help but stop and listen. The music, which incorporates flutes, windpipes and guitars, is captivating.

The band members are Quinchua Indians from Northern Equador, according to their Web site.

Consider it one of the rare moments when you can experience something great at the fair that isn't fried.

I decided to hike down to Mutton Bustin' today. For those who aren't familiar, it's the sport where little kids compete to see how long they can cling to a galloping sheep. Kids 6 and under who weigh less than 60 pounds can enter for the chance to win a playhouse.

The arena is down by the Green Gate, and I decided I'd head to the 1:30 show. On the way there, I ran into several things I found intriguing:

1. There were no lines for scones today -- not at any of the scone booths I passed. The one in Sillyville, right across from the Sillyville Station, was especially dead around lunchtime. Get 'em now, folks!

2. There are Yo-Yo People. That's the name of John Higby and Rebecca Loomis Higby's show, which travels throughout the fairgrounds throughout the day. I caught it in the walkway along the north side of the Showplex, in front of a Cowchip Cookie stand.

These aren't your grandma's yo-yo artists. They're young and hip -- at least, their act tries to communicate as much. You can tell because John is wearing Converse shoes and a pink polka-dotted tie, and Rebecca is in a black babydoll dress over stretchy leggings. They end their show with a finale that features not just yo-yos, but also hula hoops and a unicycle. Check them out.

When I finally got to Mutton Bustin', I got to see 6-year-old Anna of Bellevue win the 1:30 competition. She stayed on her sheep for a full six seconds -- or, if not quite that long, darn close to it.

I'm pretty sure I couldn't do that when I was six. Then again, I'm also pretty sure that I didn't weigh 38 pounds at that age like Anna. I might have broke the sheep.

If you head to the Western Washington Fairgrounds on any route other than straight up or down Meridian, you're bound to see local homeowners beckoning you to park in their yards.

Most of them charge about $5 to park at their homes, half the price the fair organizers will make you pay to park in any of their official lots.

For the past week I've seen the same people standing on the curbs outside their houses, waving colored flags to lure potential parkers.

I tried to talk to two of them today about how much money they make fair every season from people who park on their property. They didn't want to say.

But it reminds you just how much of a presence the fair has in this community. People rely on the fair and look forward to it every year. People who live nearby know that a zillion cars from distant lands will invade their neighborhood every September. And instead of just complaining about the traffic, they choose to take advantage of it.

Most of the people waving those red flags and pointing to $5 parking signs outside their yards are smiling.

Maybe they're just being pleasant to get business. Or maybe they've gotten caught up in the spirit of fair, just like hundreds of thousands of people do every year.

I like to think it's the latter, but maybe I'm being sentimental.

Ok, Why is it that the only two rides I really wanted to ride are excluded from the all day pass deal? I mean come on, that's like a Mickey D's extra value meal with no sandwich, get out of here!!! AAARRGGHH! This Extreme Scream Grabs your attention the moment you walk in. In all fairness, its not fair. I can ride all the other things in here except this one (and one other I didn't even care about)?

Enough whining, there are still fun ones to get on. I forgot the name of it but there's this one like a Ferris Wheel, but it can rotate 360 degrees at the same time. There's another one called Skydiver that seems like it's more for kids to me -- it has you flying through the air in a circle like superman. I rode it because I was thinking maybe that's how it feels when I swing my children around. I could see why they like it, it was fun!

In all Fairness, this was a refreshing experience and I am glad I came. I will plan on attending annually, or just until I'm bored like my wife said she was prior to attending this with me.

Nick Taylor

I've been watching the "People Movers" that carry people across the fairgrounds. You know, the motorized carts that seat about 20 people? (Think: really, really long golf carts pulled by tractors.)

I understand that the fairgrounds are big. There's 169 acres of "Epic Fun" for people to explore.

But you definitely don't get any place quickly on one of these "movers." I'm pretty sure my tennis shoes and I outwalked three or four of them on the fair's opening day.

That's because they constantly stop for foot traffic. In fact, the fair doesn't even have them on the weekends because there are too many people for them to avoid.

Still, if you want to catch one, you can find them Monday through Friday by any gate. Or, just chase one down. (Trust me, it won't be hard.) They operate between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Ok! So far, it's not a mess at all!! The first thing that caught my attention was The Fountain Plaza Performers. As my wife and I were approaching this guy juggling coconuts, I thought "Oh, hey look... there's a guy juggling coconuts, YIPPEE!". I looked at my wife as she rolled her eyes. There was a pretty good sized gathering so I stood and watched for a while. The guy juggling was excellent but his jokes were kind of corny. He still balanced out to be pretty funny especially after a few audience member participation tricks. I think my son would have wanted to participate in an event where he asks for a kid to help, then he helps them learn how to juggle. I even thought his name was funny in a corny way. I mean this dude's name is Roberto "The Magnificent," which was kind of unexpected for some reason.

We continued on after the show. We stopped at most of the shops along the way. Teddy Bear Stuffers is cool if you are into the build-your-own stuffed animal-type hobby. Then, close by was Retro Candy where you get all the old school zuzu's and wham-whams from when you were a kid (unless you're a kid now), for pretty cheap. There were only two shops that I would consider unique or significant in the entire fair. The first one was Ambors. They carry framed butterflies, glass encased insects for your key chain, and other bug related items. I like bugs, they make me smile (unless the bite me)... My youngest daughters nickname is "Bug". The most unique shops out of the fair so far. The other shop was Rainbow Rocks. My wife is into aroma therapy, so I began to appreciate things that smell good. They sell sea salt crystals that are dipped in different scents from $20-$40 bags.

As far as traffic everything is good there too. It's busy but we have plenty of room to move. We can pretty much get right on any ride right now because the lines are moving fast. Another notable thing, I'm a tweaker when it comes to using public restrooms and so is my wife. The are as clean as any fair restroom can be, so don't be afraid to go. If duty calls, don't be afraid, use it...Seriously. The food, the candy, the drinks, and the food again. I am having fun.

Nick Taylor

OMG, what has the world come to??? I just experienced a "first time" moment...AGAIN! This is a first time moment I've seen area dedicated for hosting a fair. I mean, I couldn't tell from the outside, but when I entered I could see that this place looks dedicated to the sole purpose of hosting this fair, and all other sorts of year round fun.

All the fairs I've been to since childhood were held in shopping mall parking lots, school fields, etc. This is my first time attending the Puyallup Fair. I'm here with my wife also. She seems sort of "blah" about going. I guess after going to the same fair every year all your life maybe it gets boring, or on the other hand someone may need a Redbull. I think she's been bored all these years because she didn't go with ME!!!

I sure hope this doesn't kick rocks...

Nick Taylor

I've been living in Tacoma since March of this year. I hadn't felt excited enough explore doing very much of any to call "fun" since I've been here because I hearing from family here that there's not much to do. "Wow, another fair whopedy dopedy" I said to myself sarcastically when I saw the advertisement for Puyallup Fair, but I decided to check it out.

I can't stand it when the lines seem to be millions of miles long so I decided to go during the afternoon. I was happy to see that my plan worked. I think this may be the best time to go if you aren't into ultra congested events as fairs have a tendency to be on the weekends. The traffic and parking was smooth, and the admission lines were hardly what I would call lines, more like linelettes. So far so good!

Nick Taylor

The view from up here is amazing! It's not so bad really...whoosh I couldn't even scream! All of a sudden I was falling. I really hope I didn't pee myself! I'm not sure if that was fun, but my heart sure is beating fast.

I've ridden every ride here at the fair. My favorites include the haunted house (I went 3x)and the roller coaster

It's gotten busy and the lines are longer everywhere. I'm headed home after a dizzying day of rides, fried foods and gorgeous weather.

Have a great week everyone and I hope you come down to the fair this week!

P.S.
Sorry you couldn't make it Sonnie but we can go another day. My love to Zayin and Arrianna!

It's pretty hot today, a great day to wander the fair. I highly recommend getting down here if you can!

I've ridden about every ride here at the fair today. I'll be headed over to the Extreme Scream next. It's a towering spike of metal with an elevator that takes you to the top then drops you in a free fall. I should mention, I have sort of a thing for heights. I even get squirrely on the Ferris wheel when you get stuck at the top

I did take a break and wander over to the 4H barn. I love the dogs, who seemed happy to see all the people. I don't get the whole 4H cat thing. I love cats but the ones at the fair seemed a little annoyed to be caged up with people staring at them. My favorite comic strip is Get Fuzzy, and I can imagine Fuzzy plotting some sort of revenge on any humans that dared make him a 4H cat.

My favorite food of the day is the Young Life terryaki...mmmmm! I was tempted to try the turkey leg but it seemed a bit to much for me today. For the older crowd, I highly recommend the Park Bistro for a little wine tasting.

Ok, I've stalled enough...time for some Extreme Scream!!!!

-Marcus Bouma

Click Click Click...the anticipation builds...click click click ascending up, up to the very peak...click click click...then for a moment I'm weightless and free. The roller coaster car plunges to earth and a scream erupts from my lips. For anyone in the vicinity of the roller coaster around noon, no that was not a screaming 6th grade girl. (Maybe I should have blogged about kittens after all)

It's Military Appreciation Day today...so here's a shout out to all the brave men and women or our armed forces! It's nice to see the respect our solders, sailors, airmen and marines receive. Everywhere they go I see people stopping to shake their hands and thank them for their service.

The Dizzy Pass really is a good deal, if you go early. The lines are short, I've been on about a dozen rides so far. My advise...skip school, work, whatever and be a kid again!

Now an insiders note, I came very close to losing the key to the fair blogging office on the Zipper. The Zipper spins vertically then you have a little steering wheel inside that you can control your horizontal spin. Since I was solo, I got into the car with a 14 year old maniac. He kept spinning the wheel faster and laughing hysterically. I'm not proud of it, but I may have threatened him. At some point in the blur of spinning a neon green object flew bye. I realized it was the office key and managed to grab it before it was flung into the void.

I'm saving the extreme scream for last.

I did stop by the Seahawks gear booth and asked for a free hat. They owe me something after making me watch yesterday's game. Ryan Plackemeier should have his own fair booth with a dunk tank for charity...but that's for a different blog.

-Marcus Bouma

A blazing sun burns in a pale blue September sky. The air is perfumed with grilled onions and the alluring scent of Pete's BBQ. It's fair time along the Puyallup river.

Many electrons have been written here about fuzzy animals, tasty treats, $7 strawberry shakes, and crude t-shirts (I have seen some really crude ones). Today your intrepid blogger will take an extreme adventure, riding the dizzy pass. That's right, $25 of nausea inducing unlimited rides. Make no mistake, I'm not the adventure seeking, sky diving, adrenaline junkie type. I prefer life on the midway, winning a pretty girl a 6 foot purple hippo. Alas, duty calls, and you need an insiders view of the fair rides.

Like any adventurer I started out the day with a healthy and nutritious breakfast...a Krusty pup from the Sales family and an ice cold lemonade. I may regret that Krusty latter.

-Marcus Bouma

After hours upon hours of sauntering around the fairgrounds, fatigue inevitably sets in. To combat this fatigue, check out the myriad cooking demonstrations held for fair goers. Not only are these sessions informational, they offer aching feet a much-needed rest. Whenever my feet begin to tire, I make a beeline for the cooking demonstrations. Today, for instance, I learned that red and yellow are the strongest appetite stimulants. Fascinating.

As far as entertainment at the Fair goes, the Hypnotist is tops. Held daily at 4 and 7:30 p.m. outside the Hobby Hall, the Hypnotist shows are wildly entertaining. Be sure to arrive extra early to find a good seat, as the shows are exceedingly popular. I checked about fifteen minutes ago, and the seating for the 4 o'clock show was practically full. Hopefully I'll still be able to snag a good spot.

And with that, I'm done for the day. I hope you've all enjoyed reading my posts and that I've provided some profound insight into the Puyallup Fair. Enjoy your visit!

-Danny Serna

During my time at the Fair today, I've been horrified by the level of base, crude "humor" I've seen on t-shirts. Ranging from subtly sexual to downright disgusting, the messages these shirts carry sicken me. If you're coming to the Fair, kindly leave your crude humor at home. No one cares where you want to stick your "chicken."

On a positive note, I found an exotic animal--an Egyptian Goose residing at the entrance of the chicken and poultry exhibit. Though it's no zebra, it's a nice break from standard livestock.

-Danny Serna

Lunch consisted of a delectable beef and cheese piroshky for me and yakisoba noodles for my vegetarian companion. Not exactly your classic Puyallup Fair fare, but both were excellent choices.

What wasn't so excellent, however, was the Retro Candy booth I mentioned in my first post. Not only was the variety of candy middling at best, but I don't think a single confection in that score could be classified as "retro." Amanda and I were hoping to find Razzles or penny candies or something of that sort, but we instead found Starbursts and sour gummy worms. Since when are Starbursts "retro?" I was highly disappointed.

Other than that brief lapse, our visit to the Fair has been stellar. Cows really are beautiful creatures, though their odor is far from aromatic. I haven't been able to find the exotic animals typically featured at the Fair, but I may be looking in all the wrong places.

Back to the masses I go.

-Danny Serna

It's 11:30 now, and the crowds are beginning to swell. So far, I've ventured through the Showplex, Grandstand and Centennial exhibits and have been offered everything from free back exams to free nail art. I'd highly recommend setting aside an hour or two to peruse these exhibits and maybe learn a little more about your back health in the process.

When you're at the Fair, be sure to visit the black hand washing booth next to the Dairy Barn (which, coincidentally, is home to the some of the world's finest ice cream and free milk samples). When you enter the booth, they place a chemical on your hands that glows under purple light. The goal is to completely rid your hands of said chemical, but try as I might, I have never been able to clean my hands entirely. It's a bit frustrating, but I can only hope that one day my hand washing prowess will increase and I'll become proficient enough to leave that booth with chemical-free hands.

I anxiously await that beautiful day.

-Danny Serna

Sunday morning is my favorite time to be at the fair. The crowds are smaller, the lines are shorter, etc. We'll see how long the Fair traffic remains light--I'm betting things pick up around noon.

Today, I'm attempting to do the unthinkable: see everything the Fair offers for $10 or less. That means that rides are largely out the window, and you may be seeing quite a few posts about interesting animals and the like. If I do run out of money, however, I'll be able to make a withdrawal from the First National Bank of Amanda, my traveling companion for the day. If you're at the Fair today, she's the girl in the gladiator sandals and vintage orange sweater. We'll be on the lookout for her favorite beverage, TaB, throughout the day.

On our way in, we noticed a few interesting attractions, including a Retro Candy booth and a strange animal resembling a camel-cow hybrid. We'll be investigating these forthwith.

-Danny Serna

Dinner was Barbecue Pete’s chicken ribs, corn on the cob and beans, messy but delicious as always.

While we were on the other side of the Fair Grounds, we stopped in to see the Draft Horses and walked through the 4-H horse barn.

There was a beautiful horse that I would call a pinto whose name was Vincent Van Gough! I asked his young owner how he got his name. She told me that the breeder named him because he is a “Paint” he is named after a painter!

I am headed home, to put my feet up. At least I don’t have to cook dinner.

Good Night
Roberta Marshall

3:45 PM It has been a long day. There are many, many people here now.

I just came back from the Floral Building, where my friend proudly showed me her many ribbons. No Champions but some blues. She told me that Friday night there will be a whole new round of competition with fresh entries and more chances for ribbons. There are some really nice flowers displayed and of course, the Dahlia display is stunning!

I stopped in to look at the Grange booths in the Show Plex Building, and voted for my favorite display in People’s Choice. I noticed that their Acorn squash are ripe, while mine at home are just getting started.

The giant pumpkin weighed in at 1034 pounds. It would take up my whole garden!

Comcast was showing the Huskies game in the Show Plex Building and the area was blocked with fans. I could barely get through. But it is cool in there. And I expect that the game is over now.

I am thinking about an early dinner maybe Barbecue.

I will talk to you one more time before I go home. Roberta Marshall

12:45 PM there were only 4 people in line at the scone booth by the Blue gate, so I bought one for lunch!

I just came from watching the Country Cloggers perform, on the education stage in the Pavilion building. A group of ladies, who danced to toe tapping music with a caller like a square dance. They were terrific and obviously having a great time. What a fun way to get some exercise! There are free shows all over the grounds and I really enjoy watching them.

What does the Fair smell like to you? I remember when it smelled like wet sawdust and onions. Well the sawdust is gone and the rain isn’t here yet but the onions are here and the smell brings back a lot of memories.

Ill talk to you later. Roberta Marshall

Good morning! 10:45 AM and there is already a line at the Scone booth.

Do you vote for People's Choice? In the Pavilion building, up on the second floor, there are 3 different opportunities to pick the exhibit you like best. Quilts, Fine Art and, my favorite, Photography. Your vote is important, Judges look for technical excellence, like sharp, well composed photos. Regular people, just know that they like the picture and those of us, who enter want to know what you think of our work .

Some of my photos are there for you to see today. They are photos of my grandchildren and are on display at the Camera Club Table. Do come by and say hello.

I will tell you more about my day as it goes along

Roberta Marshall

OK, we're done showing the fair through the gaping eyes of our inexperienced News Tribune staff scribes.

Time to bring in the folks who REALLY know what they're talking about.

On Saturday, you'll meet Roberta Marshall. She's 62, lives in Edgewood, grew up near the fairgrounds and attended Puyallup schools. She and husband Kurt have 2 grown children and 5 grandchildren. Roberta is a 15-year member and secretary of Tacoma Photographic Society. Last year, her photo titled "Maple Tree" received Best in Show in the Washington Photographer's Exhibit at the fair. The photo is currently on display in the photo salon, on the second floor of the Pavilion Building at the fair. You might find her at the camera club table giving fairgoers information about how to find a club in their area.

On Sunday, you can read blog posts by Danny Serna, a 17-year-old senior at Puyallup High School. "I've lived within one mile of the fair for my entire life," he tells us. "Though I'm a little fuzzy on ages 0-3, I'm fairly certain that I've been to the fair every fall for which I've been alive."

On Monday, we bring you Marcus Bouma, 31, who's a Puyallup resident and Tacoma Community College student. He says he's been attending the fair every year since 4th
grade.

Check out their collective wisdom over the next three days!

I found it.

The place to go at the fair.

Forget the fried food and funnel cakes. The rodeo and music artists are afterthoughts now. When you make it out to the fairgrounds look for a small, out of the way place with a black roof and no line. On the roof they advertise the “fresh strawberry mega shake.”

Emphasis on mega.

But let me warn you, the price is steep. The mega shake costs $7. But for fair prices, it’s worth it. After ordering (apparently the sign on the roof is the menu) I watch the kind woman behind the counter slowly ladle real strawberries from a bucket into a real blender and fill it with real soft serve. It got so thick that she repeatedly had to intervene with a spatula during the blending and make sure it was all mixed up.

It is absolutely massive. It is delicious. And somehow I drank the whole thing.

I need a nap.

They advertise that their Snowball is “better than a Blizzard.”

It’s tough to argue.

The stand inside the stadium titled "Soft Ice Cream - Root Beer Float" (I couldn't find its actual name written anywhere) sells its answer to Dairy Queen’s iconic treat. For $4.50, they mix a cup full of ice cream with crumbled candy. I opted for Butterfinger.

It tasted very similar to the DQ product, but the candy bar seemed like it was crumbled up even more finely. That all of the ice cream taste like Butterfinger. And that’s not a bad thing at all.

It was noticibly smoother and not nearly as thick as a Blizzard. I’m the last guy to crack on a Blizzard, but this seemed like an upgrade. And a great way to cool down and finish off a day of gorging on food.

Next stop: the gym. I knew I should have brought some ipecac with me.

I've been to the fair three times this week for various reporting work, and each time prior to today, I underestimated the toll the fairgrounds would take on my feet.

I actually got made fun of by a man in some sort of kilt yesterday, who said he couldn't imagine I was getting much work done in "those" shoes, which happened to be four-inch heels.

Today I changed my ways. Me and my feet have made about six go-rounds of the fair grounds. And both of us are still feeling good.

But once the fair is over, I'm throwing these ugly shoes away.

Brian and I have been telling you where is good to eat. Well, allow me a second to let me tell you where not go buy a drink.

The Sausage Shack.

The price seemed reasonable (by fair standards): $3.25 for a 24-ounce Diet Coke. The kid with my cup fills it about halfway with ice and begins to pour the drink. He’s about three-fourths of the way finished when the woman at the register stops him and snaps at him. “You’re not doing it right,” she said. “You gotta fill it all the way with ice.”

She puts even more ice cubes in my drink, making my 24-ounce cup able to hold about 2 or 3 drops.

That ain’t customer service, and I sure ain’t gonna eat at the Sausage Shack ever again.

I’ve always had a fascination with Russia and Soviet history. I am embarrassed to admit, I even know the words to the English version of “He Must Be Like Putin.”

So I was obviously excited when I saw the Kaleenka Piroshky booth at the fair. After the fried abomination I just ate, I thought a nice, traditional pastry would hit the spot.

The nice people working the booth were speaking some language I didn’t understand, so I figured it would be traditional. I forked over the $10.50 for a vegetable piroshky and a strawberry lemonade. Upon first glance, I wasn’t that excited. It was fried (I thought they were baked, but hey, it is the fair). And it came wrapped in napkins.

To my surprise, it was pretty good. Through the thick bread were hashbrown-like potatoes, peas and sunflower seeds.

I enjoyed myself for the couple minutes while I was eating. It took me away from the teenagers with no shirts on and the screaming kids in strollers.

But now I am going to be humming Dschinghis Khan’s "Moskau" for the rest of the day.

If you rush over to the Green Gate right now, you can catch the first of David "The Bullet" Smith's human cannonball shows at the fair this year. He'll be performing his gig twice a day, once at 3 p.m. and again at 6 p.m.

To clarify, his gig is getting shot out of a cannon and landing about 150 feet away on a big net.

He's new at the fair this year.

I caught up with him in his RV a few days ago and asked him if I could could get shot out of the cannon.

He said I could, but it would probably kill me.

Look for a story and (hopefully) video footage of Smith's act at some point throughout the fair.

So, if it seems like I've been a little lazy about posting for the past two hours, I had a good reason.

I was waiting in line for scones.

I know I'm supposed to be working. But everyone else was doing it, so I thought I should, too.

Call the following a scone-induced confession: I've never been to the fair before. Ever.

That's why I thought it was important to give myself an fair education. The first step, of course, would be waiting in line for fair scones, just like everybody else.

And, in doing so, I made a rookie mistake: I waited in line and failed to order more than one scone.

In retrospect, it seems like everyone else walking away with seven dozen had the right idea. I mean, 45 minutes in line for one scone?

My logic was this: I could buy a few dozen and bring them back to the office, where there are many desk-chained reporters, editors and page designers who would be happy to devour them.

But I probably won't get back to the office until 7 p.m. tonight. And who knows what would have happened if I had to have a staring contest with 13 scones (a baker's dozen) in my blogger office for the next five hours.

I imagine it would look a lot like the photo above... times 13.

It was greasy. It was big. It had cheese.

The Cheesequake Burger was basically the perfect lunch.

Scott Oberstaller, a designer on our sports desk, once told me that the Earthquake Burger (and its American cheese-topped cousin, the Cheesequake) was larger than my head. That’s a big statement. I have a size 8 hatband, meaning Barry Bonds looks like a pinhead compared to me.

But bigger than my head the burger was not. Tasty it was. If you’re expecting restaurant-style lean ground sirloin, you’ll be upset. But if you know that thin, fatty meat favored by a lot of fair vendors, then realize it’s on par with that. It’s also no frills: the bun, the patty and some onions. Condiments are on a cart next to the red, white and blue stand.

But it’s its size that makes the Cheesequake ($9.95) stick out. It’s the size of a small plate. And it made me want to stretch out on one of the brown picnic tables next to the stand for a nap.

I didn’t want to try anything that conventional.

So I walked up to the catch-all stand – fried veggies and korn fritters along with shaved ice. I saw “cheese sticks” and I thought a bit. Obviously, it wouldn’t be like a normal mozzarella stick because it would be called a mozzarella stick, and that wouldn’t be fair enough. I thought maybe cheddar, or American, which would likely make me hurl.

I took the plunge, and obviously they were mozzarella sticks. I think. It tasted like cheap pieces of string cheese dropped in a deep fryer for about a half an hour and topped with some phantom seasoning that I couldn’t taste.

Hey it was edible, and other than the streak of hot grease, not bad. Though it did cost $6.25.

Though I am unclear about why the woman at the booth told me to get ketchup.

My neighbor raves about Krusty Pups, so I made the corndog stand my first stop after Brian and I arrived at the fair. There are a few places to get the treats, including a funky ‘50sish silver building.

My pup cost $4. For an extra $6, I could add fries and a drink. (I passed.)

The first bite revealed something I suspected before I bought it: the corn dog was more corn (batter) than dog. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I’m of the belief that a good crab cake has more cake than crab, and ditto for a corndog – especially when most hot dogs can be safely described as “slaughterhouse leavings.”

I didn’t mind that deep-fried batter outdid the dog. The batter was crunchy (krusty?) on the outside and sweet on the inside. The dog was unremarkable – think what’s served at a company barbecue – but the overall taste worked. It’s fair food, after all.

Everyone loves ice cream. At least, they do if they're A) human and B) not lactose-intolerant.

So, if you're an ice cream connoisseur looking for a scoop of something interesting, check out Nitro Ice Cream at the northeast corner of the Americraft Showplex. (That's the corner closest to the Gold Gate and the Blue Gate.)

They make ice cream using liquid nitrogen. And you can watch.

Nitro Ice Cream co-owner John Gardner told me Thursday that his workers will make about three gallons of the ice cream an hour using his ice cream machine, which is attached to two tanks of liquid nitrogen.

The nitrogen, he said, freezes the ice cream quickly so that the ice crystals are smaller and less air gets folded into the ice cream.

The result? The ice cream is supposed to be smoother and creamier.
You can judge for yourself. A single costs $3.25, a double is $4.25, and a triple is $5.25.
You can add caramel sauce for a dollar. Or get a root beer float for $5.50.

Warning: the singles are small -- maybe four to six ounces.

If you don't want to stop by the stand yourself, look for a video showing how the ice cream is made next week on thenewstribune.com. I stopped by Thursday and filmed the process, and I'm proud to say I didn't break any equipment. Stay tuned.

The Puyallup Fair generally does a pretty good job mixing up the music acts they bring to the grandstand: from pop to rock to contemporary Christian to a heaping helping of country-western. Last year, they even brought in the old spud boys from Devo!

This year is no exception. To read about the lineup, click here.

The concerts kick off Friday night with country crooner Chris Cagle. You can read a full story on him here, and his cranky interview with News Tribune music writer Ernest Jasmin here.

Cattle drive: check.

Still to come: Scones, Earthquake Burgers, rides... and more scones.

The Puyallup Fair opened today with all its usual excitement and fanfare: a herd of five dozen cattle romping through downtown Puyallup, followed by a parade of horses, fiddlers, marching bands and characters on stilts.

Spectators gathered four people deep along the sidewalks of Meridian Street to watch the fair's eighth annual Western Rodeo Parade and Cattle Drive at 10 a.m. The street was closed for an hour between Main Street and Seventh Avenue to let the parade pass.

For those who look forward to the start of the fair every year, the spectacle did not disappoint.

"The cattle drive makes the fair extra, extra special," said Ed Zeiger, 79, a Puyallup resident and fairgoer since 1952. "It's usually a great way to kick it off. I still have some of the neckerchiefs they used to give out -- I should have worn one today."

=> Read more!

This year's fair theme is "Epic Fun." You've probably seen the commercials or billboards by now. And we intend to tell you about all kinds of epic fun over the next 17 days -- or attempts that fell flat.

Or else we'll die trying.

News Tribune reporter Melissa Santos, who normally gets to cover epic fun at Puyallup City Hall and similar places, will be blogging from the fair all day Friday. Look for her reports starting late morning or early afternoon from the cattle drive, the pumpkin weigh off and other first-day festivities.

We're crossing our fingers that our blogging computer on the fairgrounds will be working the way our tech guy promised.

Starting Saturday, our volunteer citizen bloggers will take over.

Enjoy, and keep coming back!