The 2015 Washington State Fair runs Sept. 11-27 in Puyallup, and it will spend part of the time honoring those who have served in the armed forces.
Military Appreciation Days are scheduled for Sept. 14 and Sept. 21. All active, reserve and retired military and National Guard members and their dependents, plus disabled veterans, will be admitted to the fair free upon showing military identification at the gates.
Joint Base Lewis-McChord has a strong presence inside the Gold Gate with two areas of interest. They will have an Armored Security Vehicle on site for guests to explore, along with many of the items worn in military action. Members of the U.S. Army will be present to give tours and explain the items shown. Another Joint Base Lewis McChord exhibit focuses on their veterinarians, and what they do. They will have a veterinarian office set up with a “teddy bear clinic,” using a stuffed animal to show Fair guests how they treat and care for animals.
The fair is one of the biggest in the world and the largest in the Pacific Northwest. It started in 1900 in Puyallup and annually welcomes more than 1 million guests who turn out for star-studded entertainment, product vendors, professional rodeo, rides, exhibits, food, flowers and animal exhibits during its 17-day run.
Admission costs $7.50 for seniors 62 and up. More information about gate prices and other fair details is available at www.thefair.com.