By Luisa Loi
La Conner Community News
If you’re too chicken for rollercoasters and ferris wheels, the theme for the 127th Skagit County Fair, “Let’s Wing It,” may make you feel right at home.
The fair runs Thursday through Saturday at the Skagit County Fairgrounds, right in the heart of one of the most vibrant and productive agricultural communities in the state.
This beloved event is one of the longest-running fairs in the Pacific Northwest and is expected to draw a crowd of 25,000 to 30,000 visitors this week, according to fair manager Aric Gaither. Following a long tradition of animal-inspired themes, this year’s mascot is the chicken. The motto “Let’s Wing It!” honors the fair’s long history of creativity and resilience.
Expect live music, magicians, bubbles, educational activities, food, vendor booths and lots of animals, including this year’s guest stars Moo and Milk, the first emus to ever join the fair, Gaither said.
While part of the fair’s charm lies in its familiar offerings, like the livestock sale and the carnival, this year features some novelties, Gaither said, including “The Cutest Show on Earth” — a live theater experience where children are encouraged to dress up and perform — and “The Magic Bean” — an interactive activity where families learn where their food comes from.
In the Fun Zone Stage, the Children’s Museum of Skagit County and WECU will bring the “Money Adventure Zone,” a blend of activities and exhibits where children can learn basic money concepts. This area also includes circus games and props for a dress-up selfie circus, a bubble station, a hammer-powered catapult game, chicken-themed movies and more.
For the first time since 2021, the fair is bringing back the Kids Pedal Tractor Pulls, a competition where children ride vintage-style pedal tractors pulling a sled, racing all the way to the finish line.
Near the fun zone stage, traveling variety circus Vuelta La Luna will bring sword dancing, aerial performances and jugglers at three shows offered daily.
At 11 a.m. on Thursday, adrenaline junkies can gather at the main stage to watch the high-stakes Diaper Derby, a race where babies will crawl to the finish line — that is, if they feel like it — for a chance to take home a prize and bring honor to their parents.
Anyone with a big appetite and a strong stomach is welcome to join the Pie Eating Contest at the main stage, taking place at 3:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 3:15 p.m. on Sunday. The cheerleader pie eating contest is planned for Thursday afternoon, right after the cheerleading show at 5:15 p.m.
The carnival runs from noon to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday. Guests may purchase tickets for individual rides or purchase an unlimited ride wristband for $50.
The fair also features a plethora of bands playing music for all tastes — rock, country, Americana, blues, folk, Latin and more. Among this year’s Latin talents is Mexican-American singer and songwriter Larry Hernandez, who will perform on the main stage Saturday at 8:30 p.m.. According to the fair’s pamphlet, he is the highest profile Latin international artist who’s ever agreed to perform at the fair.
Cinderella, Ariel and Rapunzel will also be in attendance to greet young fans, pose for photos, sing and tell stories on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Spiderman is also expected to swing into the event to host a 15-minute superhero training session at 12:45 p.m. on Thursday.
One of the fair’s most anticipated events is the Livestock Sale at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Pavillion, where young members of 4H and Future Farmers of America will showcase and sell lambs, goats, chickens, rabbits, turkeys and other animals they raised for this occasion.
Gaither said the fair is an opportunity for community members to connect with people with similar interests and learn something new. He encourages visitors to engage with entertainers and vendors, particularly the kids involved with the livestock sale, who worked hard to prepare for the sale and are eager to answer questions.
“I think there’s a lot of cool stories when you pull back the curtain,” he said.
General admission tickets cost $12 on Thursday and Sunday. On Friday and Saturday, the entry fee is $16 for adults aged 16 and older, $14 for youths, seniors and military members. Children aged 5 and under enter for free every day. Parking at the main fairgrounds south lot is $10.
For more information about the fair’s schedule, visit skagitcounty.net/Departments/Fair/entertainment.htm.
Luisa Loi is a general assignment reporter for La Conner Community News.
