The 87th annual Jefferson County fair in Port Townsend is set to kick off today, promising a dino-tastic theme that is sure to delight attendees of all ages. The fair will run through Sunday at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, located at 4907 Landes St. Fair director Kristi Pimentel expressed her excitement for this year’s event, highlighting the diverse range of entertainment and exhibits that will be on display.
One of the main attractions of the fair is the wide variety of animals that will be on display throughout the weekend. From chickens and ducks in the poultry shed to dairy and beef cows in the cattle barn, attendees will have the opportunity to see a wide array of 4-H-raised animals. Additionally, there will be goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, and pigs to admire, as well as a horse barn and a cat building. Various events and demonstrations are planned in the animal areas, providing a fun and educational experience for visitors.
In addition to the animal exhibits, the fair will feature a bustling marketplace with approximately 65 vendors offering craft, commercial, and food items. Attendees can look forward to treats such as Viking Ice Cream, Hawaiian shaved ice, cheesecake, specialty lemonades, espresso, and more. Food vendors like Egg Roll Hut, Huli Huli BBQ, and Fast and Fresh will be serving up delicious fare, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Music lovers will be in for a treat as well, with musicians from a variety of genres scheduled to perform on multiple stages throughout the weekend. Classic rock, big band, jazz, folk, songwriter, horn ensemble, and taiko drum performances will entertain fairgoers, with talented artists like Abby Roth and Taylor Montgomery taking the stage. Both Roth and Montgomery were winners of the Kiwanis Club’s talent competition “stars of tomorrow,” earning them coveted performance slots at the fair.
Entertainment at the fair will not be limited to musical performances, as magician, illusionist, and entertainer Professor Bamboozle will be wowing audiences with his magic tricks all weekend. Karen Quest will showcase cowgirl tricks and stilt characters, adding a touch of whimsy to the festivities. Attendees can also look forward to seeing the Port Townsend Ballet perform on the new wood stage, adding a touch of elegance to the event.
For children, there will be a plethora of activities to enjoy, including riding a mechanical bull, participating in a watermelon eat-off, decorating cupcakes, engaging in duct-tape crafts, and competing in a Lego building contest. The fair aims to provide a fun and engaging experience for attendees of all ages, with something exciting happening at every turn.
With a packed schedule of events, exhibits, and entertainment, the 87th annual Jefferson County fair promises to be a memorable experience for all who attend. Fair director Kristi Pimentel expressed her enthusiasm for this year’s fair, emphasizing the goal of making it bigger and better than ever before. So, gather your family and friends and head to the fairgrounds for a weekend of dino-tastic fun and entertainment.
