According to Cindy McKay, Kitsap County Fair and Stampede Manager, “It is all about the community and that is what sets our little hometown fair apart.” This summer will mark the 101st Kitsap County Fair and the 75th Stampede. There are more than 120 exhibitors in the Pavilion and sprinkled throughout the fairgrounds, 30 food vendors selling delicious treats and fair staples, a President’s Hall filled with entries from quilts to Lego builds, and barns hosting local 4-H and FFA students from around the region. And, of course, the Stampede part of the event . . . RODEO!
More than 60,000 people are expected to attend this year’s fair held August 21-25 which will be highlighted by several rodeo events. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings will feature traditional rodeos with eight separate events: bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, tie-down roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing, break-away roping, and bull riding. Then on Saturday morning, the ring will host Xtreme Bull Riding with some of the biggest and baddest bulls around.
One of McKay’s favorite aspects is the barns. “It’s where my heart is.” As a former exhibitor showing horses, McKay fondly remembers her time in the livestock barns. 4-H and FFA participants will be showing the gambit of livestock from swine and steers to lambs and poultry. Once the awards for best in show and showmanship are handed out, there is a livestock sale on Saturday afternoon.
When rodeo events end and the livestock sale concludes, the ring is turned over to live entertainment on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. With big name performers, the concerts are the peak of a wonderful weekend of family fun and activities in Kitsap County.
Everyone with entries in the fair, from chocolate chip cookies and artwork to draft horses, will receive a five-day pass. There will be something for everyone to enjoy from nostalgic pie baking contests to bubble blowing and hot dog eating competitions.
“It’s about the community and the entertainment we bring in . . . we make it as family-friendly as we can . . . the fair is for everybody,” said McKay.
Kitsap County Fair & Stampede
kitsapfair.org
BY LYNN CASTLE