All's Fair

 

BACK AT IT: Attending the Washington State Fair has been a family tradition since we moved to Seattle some 14 or so years ago. We've only missed it twice in all those years, I believe. Once was because our schedule just didn't permit attendance (we were in the midst of a NY/Europe trip!). The other time was last year, when the fair was closed because of COVID. Of course, COVID is still very much around, but now we're vaccinated and know more about how it's spread, and attending the fair on an iffy weather day in the middle of the week when there was sparse attendance, and sticking to outdoors only attractions seemed like a safe venture.

We got there around 11, when the 'thrill' rides aren't open yet, so we started off slow, with a stroll through a fairgrounds garden.

There, we encountered Big Foot, a creepy corn cob guy and some laundry, among other things.

There were signs letting people know they needed to mask up. I'd say about 80 percent of people were in compliance, which means 20 percent of people are selfish a$$es.

As always, we ogled the fair food offerings. However, we didn't partake of a single thing!

I always enjoy looking at the over-the-top art on the carnival attractions. 

The kids had the obligatory slide rides.

And the obligatory swing rides. ...

CJ caught a tiger by the tail.

The kids' twirl on the 'Tornado' was more like a calm breeze. Neither one of them wanted to spin the part in the center that would make them corkscrew.
                                   

They took a trip on a hang glider of sorts.

And, of course, they had to ride the classic Scrambler.

They took a trip on the Classic Coaster.

CJ and Annabelle are in the last car. You can see the "I" and heart symbol on CJ's shirt.

They soared on the Seadragon (CJ's shirt stands out, again).

Christian's one and only ride was the Zipper. Below, he and CJ await their turn.

We were just about to leave the fair when we spied a new ride, with its super flashy façade. I suggested the kids take a whirl.

Holy cow - it was more than they bargained for. It went so fast!

Afterward, Annabelle told me there was a sign in front of the ride suggesting people watch the attraction before deciding to hop on. That's good advice. 

We left the fairgrounds in Puyallup a little after 2p.m., because we had to be in Tacoma at 3, for CJ's orientation at University of Washington Tacoma. While he spent two hours taking a tour and meeting people, Christian, Annabelle and I hung out at Beer Star, a tap room a couple of miles away. They had lots of outdoor seating, and a big fire pit, where Annabelle could warm her hands. 

All in all, a big fun day. We were glad to be back at the fair.