September means it's time to "Do the Puyallup"

To the chagrin of kids and the delight of parents, September means the start of the new school year. It also means it’s time to once again “Do the Puyallup.” This year’s Puyallup Fair – one of the largest fairs in the country – is set to run from Sept. 5 to Sept. 21.

One of the top ten attended fairs in the world, the Puyallup Fair features traditional family favorites such as farm animals, art, home arts, photography, hobby hall, exhibits, rides, top-name entertainment, 4-H and FFA fairs, food and more. The largest fair in the state, the Puyallup Fair has been running since 1900. Last year, 1,184,671 guests visited the 169-acre facility.
Some highlights of this year’s Puyallup Fair include:

– Western Rodeo Parade: Enjoy a cattle drive down Meridan, as well as a non-motorized parade that will follow. Equestrian participants, school marching bands, horse hitches and more will kick off the opening day of the fair, at 10 a.m., on Friday, Sept. 5.

– PRCA Wrangler ProRodeo Tour: Competition is set for Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6, when cowboys and cowgirls compete to participate in the finals on Sunday, Sept. 7.

– Spirit of the West: Learn about life when cowboys and Indians roamed the range courtesy of various displays, photo collections, art and poetry.
“Salute to Freedom” Tribute: The grandstand will offer free seating for an 11 a.m. tribute to the military on Thursday, Sept. 11. Included will be inspirational messages, the Travis Air Force Band and a thunderous C-17 flyover. Admission to the fair is free until noon for the tribute. Military personnel get in free this day.

– Rie Munoz Art Exhibit: World-renown Alaskan artist Rie Munoz will have a special showing throughout the fair. She will make an appearance on Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6 and sign prints.

– World Record Competition: Witness two women from Bellingham compete to enter the Guiness Book of World Records for the “longest teetertottering duration.” They start going up and down at 10 a.m., on Thursday, Sept. 11.

These are just some of the events taking place at this year’s Puyallup Fair. For more information, call the 24-hour hotline at 253/841-5045 or visit the fair’s Website at: www.thefair.com.