Revival of King County Fair continues

August 17, 2016

Summary

Council receives briefing on increased attendance of 2016 Fair

Story

After fears the oldest County Fair west of the Mississippi might have to shutter its gates, the King County Fair appears to be regaining its footing. The Metropolitan King County Council’s Committee of the Whole received a briefing on the positive attendance numbers from this year’s fair.

“I want to congratulate Mayor Liz Reynolds, the City Council of Enumclaw, the Enumclaw Expo Center, and all who participated in this year’s fair,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn, whose district includes the King County Fairgrounds. “The continued growth of this regional tradition promises good things for the future.”

The 154th edition of the Fair was held July 14-17. The Fair celebrates the County’s agricultural heritage, and has been running each year since 1863, when Washington State was still a territory. The Fair highlights the region’s agricultural heritage and celebrating rural character.

Scott Gray, Executive Director of the King County Fair, updated the King County Committee of the Whole today about the 2016 Fair’s successes which included a 32 percent increase in attendance from 2015.

“The King County Fair again was a great success this year,” said Gray. “I am proud not only of the Fair’s continued growing annual number of fairgoers but of the growing participation of youth organizations, vendors, and community partners.”

In 2014, attendance at the King County Fair dropped to an all-time low. After a revitalization effort by the City of Enumclaw, Enumclaw Expo Center, and King County, that included increased advertising, doubling presale tickets, and growing community partnerships, 2016 fair attendance doubled to 20,749 fairgoers.

“Thank you to all those who supported the fair through volunteering and attendance,” said Enumclaw Mayor Liz Reynolds. “Special thanks goes to Councilmember Reagan Dunn for all his continuing efforts on County funding support.”

As part of the 2015-2016 Biennial Budget, Dunn, working with the County Executive, was able to secure $60,000 in funding for the fair to assist with costs and operating expenses.