The state’s biggest party is even bigger this year.

The Washington State Fair in Puyallup kicks off 21 days of fun Sept. 2 in an extended run that fair officials say will provide more options to visit. Weekend congestion around the fairgrounds

is expected to decrease with the addition of Labor Day weekend. The fair will be closed on Tuesdays, to give staff and vendors time to rest, restock and recharge.

The annual Western Rodeo Parade and Cattle Drive will occur the second weekend of the Fair, on Sept. 9. The rodeo will begin on Sept. 9, with the finals on Sept. 11.

Guests will have two opportunities to give back to the community within the first week, with a KOMO food drive on Sept. 2, and a school supply drive for Communities In Schools on Sept. 9. Admission will be free from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. for guests who bring those suggested donations.

The extended dates also mean more entertainment. There will be 21 nights of music and comedy from some of the industry’s biggest names. A complete concert lineup is available at http://www.thefair.com/concerts.

All of the traditional favorites are back, including scones, elephant ears, Piglet Palace and other livestock exhibits, the Classic Coaster, strolling entertainment, and vendors.