Grab your family and get ready for some good old-fashion fun in the sun. Its Grays Harbor County Fair time, August 9 through 13, and that means you and your family are in for a great summer-time tradition. There’s plenty to do for kids of all ages at this year’s “Pig Tails & Country Trails” Grays Harbor County Fair, held at the Grays Harbor Fairgrounds in Elma.

First, there are the midway games and the carnival rides. It’s always fun to go head to head with family members in the balloon pop or ring toss. Or, see who will be brave enough to take on the tilt-a-whirl and other thrilling rides. Winning a giant teddy bear playing the midway games is a welcome bonus.

Grays Harbor County Fair
The carnival rides and games are a highlight for many attendees.

Carnival ride wristbands are $27 during the fair, and include unlimited rides for the day of purchase. Carnival wristbands may be purchased at the Carnival Lot through the entire Fair and do not include Fair Admission.

Carnival Ride Hours: Noon to 10:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday; and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday

Best Amusement Bargain: Presale Discount Carnival Wristbands are available until August 7, 2017 at the Fairgrounds Office and the Montesano, Elma, and Aberdeen Anchor Bank branches. Presale wristbands are just $22, which is a $5 savings.

Grays Harbor County Fair
Who doesn’t love a corn dog? Find this fair favorite and a whole lot more at the Grays Harbor County Fair.

Second, there’s the fair fare—that is, the food that’s fun. You won’t be able to resist fair treats, like Shaved ice, cotton candy, elephant ears, hand dipped corn dogs, and deep-fried Twinkies. All kinds of treats unique and delicious food can be found. Of course, there are grilled onion burgers, fries, chicken, corn-on-the-cob, barbeque, fish and chips, Mexican and Asian foods and more. There is truly something for everyone. You’ll find concessions spread about the fairgrounds.

Best Bargain Bite: Curley fries are a family-friendly favorite and filling, too. Wash them down with an ice cold lemonade.

Third, there are all those cute animals. Piglets and calves and lambs and bunnies and… Well, the list goes on and on. Chat with the hard-working 4H and FFA kids showing their animals and learn what goes into their care. They may even let you pet a few!

Best Smile Makers: Don’t forget Muriel’s Petting Zoo or the exotic animal rescue and educational exhibition A Walk on the Wild Side.

Fourth, don’t forget the fair entertainment. As always, there’s world class music, comedy and magic. And this year’s headlining lineup features one of Billboard’s Top country artists: the 2016 CMA nominee Old Dominion on the Pepsi Stage. Reserved Golden Circle Seats for the August 9 concert, that include fair admission are now on sale (see website for details). However, if you want to take the chance of being able to find a seat, there will be bleacher seats that are free with paid fair admission.

Old Dominion
Country super-stars, Old Dominion will be the Grays Harbor County Fair’s headlining act in 2017. Photo courtesy: Old Dominion

Plus, a cappella group The Coats from Puyallup (August 10); the locally popular Olsen Bros. Band from Olympia— (August 11); and Portland’s Petty Fever—an award-winning Tom Petty tribute band (August 12), all on the Pepsi Stage. Seating these these shows is included with paid fair admission. And don’t forget the talent show featuring local acts on August 11.

Best Kid Show: Check out award-winning comedian/magician Steve the Pretty Good (performing daily). On Sunday, August 13 musicians from Harbor area churches join together for an all-comer Christian Entertainment Service at 10:30 a.m. See full entertainment descriptions here.

Fifth, (but not final, as there’s a whole lot more to do at the fair than listed here) are the exhibits and entries. Art and handcrafts, home-made and garden grown edibles (baked and canned goods), and other creations are on display as are informational exhibits from kids in 4H, and Future Farmers of America, not to mention various scouting programs. All these exhibits help children learn where their food really comes from.

Best Way to Cool Off: Be sure and get some shade from time to time and stay hydrated. The exhibit hall has a brand new fan and ventilation system and is a great place to duck out of the sun, while visiting a large variety of Commercial Venders and Exhibitors.

grays harbor fair
Fairgoers will delight in visiting animals, enjoying rides, and catching live entertainment throughout the five-day Grays Harbor County Fair. Photo credit: Pam Pelan.

The Grays Harbor County Fair is the summer’s best family fun value. So, grab your kids and your friends and head to the fair for a day full of fun, food and friends. The Fair run August 9 through 13, 2017. Be sure and check out the family friendly discounts for Thursday and Sunday below.

Fair Hours:
Wednesday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Daily Fair Admission: Adults (age 16-62 years) ­– $10/day; Seniors (age 63+ years) and Youth (age 6-15 years) – $7/day; Children (age 5 years and under) – free.

Special Discounts: There is a Military Appreciation Discount of $2 off the daily fair admission (with Military ID) that lasts the entire five days of fair; and Thursday, Aug. 10 is Kids’ Day with an admission discount of $2 off for youth. Sunday, August 13 offers free admission from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. only. Sunday, August 13 is also Bi-Mart Day and offers $1 off Fair Admission (with Bi-Mart Card & Photo ID).

Daily Parking is $5 per vehicle. Season Parking (must be purchased prior to Fair Opening Day) is $20.

Camping on the grounds (now doesn’t that sound like family fun?) is $50 for the entire week of Fair. (Hook-ups are not guaranteed. Please see the camping rules/regulations PDF on the website.)

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