In 1900, the Puyallup Valley community joined together to create a “Valley Fair,” as a place to exhibit animals, show off the local crops, and to advance interests in various agricultural and other industries in the Puyallup Valley.

 

The first year of the fair was held in a vacant lot just west of Pioneer Park, and cost $1 per family for all three days.

 

The second year a 10-acre lot was purchased on 9th Ave. SW and Meridian South.  The most popular entertainment was horse racing, which was an annual event from 1901-1977.

 

In 1915, Fisher Scones made their debut and have been a mainstay ever since.

 

In the 1920’s attractions included chariot racing and daredevil horse riding, and featured new horse stables, and added 15 acres of exhibits.  Native Americans also lived in teepees during the duration of the fair, offered ponies for racing, held parades and presented war dances.

 

The first carousel was built in the fair in 1923, was steam powered and featured a Wurlitzer band organ.  This antique carousel still lives in the fair in its own building, and is valued at $1.3million.

 

By the 1930’s a new Roller Coaster was erected, and new rides such as a Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round and kiddie rides were created. 

 

Close to 400,000 people attended by the late 1930’s.

 

During the 40’s the Puyallup Fair was closed, as the Federal Government took over the Fairgrounds.  It was used as an Internment Camp for 7,390 Japanese-Americans.  In 1943 they were relocated to other locations and the camp was torn down.

 

In the 1960’s some popular attractions included the Flying Wallendas, Circus Acts, a Fireworks show, the Osmond Family singers and Frank Sinatra, Jr.

 

On June 14, 1970, the Fair had its one and only fire, destroying many restaurants, the grandstand, part of the roller coaster, some concessions and the Art and Floral Buildings.

 

By 1975 the Western Washington Fair had become the 10th largest Fair in America.

 

In 1980 the sky ride was purchased from the Seattle Center.

1991 attendance figures peaked at 1,414,487, which made the Puyallup fair the sixth largest fair in the United States.

 

For the 1992 Fair, a $13+ million dollar Fairgrounds renovation project was completed in the south end of the facilities. New highlights included:

Blue Gate/Blue Gate Stage

Largest outdoor concert stage in the Pacific Northwest

Barns: Draft Horse, 4-H Horse, Rabbit, and Poultry

W.H. Paulhamus Arena, 2000 seats

The Puyallup Fair Farm (petting farm)

100-foot wide boulevards

Increased landscaping and park-like atmosphere

 

In 1990, the Puyallup fair held its first annual Spring Fair in April.  It started as a four day event, but has since been scaled back to three days.

 

In 1993 Frank Sinatra was the opening day headliner, singing to a sold-out crowd.

 

In 1999 the Extreme Scream thrill ride, a 20-story attraction was added at a cost of just over $2milliion. By this time the fair was now occupying 160 acres.

 

In 2000 the Puyallu Fair celebrated its 100th anniversary.  Over 1.3 million visitors celebrated. 

It was celebrated with a cattle drive down Meridian Street in Puyallup, followed by the introduction of the Puyallup Fair Western Rodeo Parade.

 

2011 was the 100th anniversary of the Fisher Scones.  There have been over 100 million scones served at the fair.

 

2013 saw the Puyallup fair change its name to the Washington State Fair.  It was also the introduction of a new roller coaster, the Rainier Rush, a looping inversion coaster.

 

The Washington State Fair also offers a Traveling Farm, where live animals and agriculture are brought to various schools to enhance their education.  A 48 foot tractor-trailer, housing 14 interactive learning stations visits schools throughout the Puget Sound at no cost to students, schools or districts.

 

The Washington State Fair Foundation also offers scholarship opportunities to local students for continuing their education.  The scholarships are made available through the generous donations from the Washington State Fair Foundation’s donors and Board of Directors.  Since 1991, more than $880,000 has been awarded to students at various colleges, universities, and vocational/technical schools.