Fair to Feature Free Entertainment Options and All-New Grandstand Show

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Following a transitional year for the Southwest Washington Fair, organizers say the focus this year will again be centered around a wide variety of free entertainment options happening at all times during the week. 

That approach was first implemented last year, whereas in years past much of the attention and entertainment budget was focused on obtaining the biggest musical headliner possible for a one-night blowout. 

Additionally, fair organizers are playing up the fact that paid admission to the fair will grant a person access to the vast majority of the entertainment options, excluding the rodeo, demolition derbies and the brand new Fair Grandstand Show.

“The goal is to be good family entertainment at a reasonable cost,” said Pat Slusher, fair marketing director. “I call it the Walt Disney effect. You just go in and have things going on all the time all around.”

The newfangled Fair Grandstand Show will feature an assortment of large machinery performing party tricks to delight the crowd. Part of the show will include crews from the Lewis County Public Works as they show off their gritty stop and go skills in an event they are calling the “Roadeo.”  

“It’s feats of skill with big heavy machinery,” said Slusher.

There will also be good old standby entertainment such as two nights of demolition derby and one night of the Southwest Washington Rodeo Association’s “Rough Stock Rodeo, Bulls Barrels and Broncs” event. One change for the rodeo this year is that it has been moved from its traditional spot on Saturday night to Thursday evening. 

“The goal is to catch some of the better riders earlier while they are on their way to a different, bigger show,” said Tamara Hayes, who is in her first full year as fair manager. 

Hayes noted the fair is open to expanding the rodeo event in the future so long as there is sufficient demand. Hayes also promised that there are ongoing talks to bring back the popular mutton busting event for rodeo aspiring youths and their clamoring parents. However, she said the rambunctious sheep will not be making an appearance at this year’s fair.



Outside of the grandstand area, entertainment options will include the wild animal show and its bears, reptiles and tigers, a tattoo show, the KELA Diaper Derby and the Little Miss Friendly coronation. Free music shows will include Lacy J. Dalton, the Sounds of Swing, and tribute bands to the Beatles, The Monkees, Van Halen and Tom Petty. Hayes noted that the Saturday night Petty Fever show is at the exact same time as a real Tom Petty show in Seattle. 

“So you could go to the fair or you could pay a lot more money to drive to Seattle and sit through all that traffic,’ said Hayes.

The theme of this year’s Southwest Washington Fair is “I’m a Fair Kid,” and organizers are looking for old stories and corresponding photographs from adults who have memories of the fair from their youth.

Hayes noted that the carnival will be run by Butler Amusements, the same company as in years past, but the all-day carnival ride passes are set to increase to $30 a day this year. She said the price increase was out of the control of fair organizers but noted that she is still happy to have the familiar carnival faces back for another go. 

“They’re a good company. They really make you feel like you’re not going to fall off the ride,” said Hayes.

Hayes also noted that the fair recently launched its brand new website at southwestwashingtonfair.org. 

Fair exhibitors such as FFA and 4H groups will be able to register and pay their dues online in order to expedite their fair preparation process. 

“I’m really excited about it. It’s fun. It’s colorful and it has all of the information about the fair,’ said Hayes.