The Southwest Washington Fairgrounds is being readied for next week’s community celebration
Curt and Jean Pannkuk, Superintendents of the Fair’s Wildlife Hall, have added a new look with freshly stained picnic benches and colorful flower pots.
CHEHALIS – The Southwest Washington Fairgrounds is an ever-changing landscape with the opening of this year’s six-day community celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
“It won’t be long before this place is hoppin’,” said Lewis County Parks and Recreation Administrator B.J. Kuykendall. “The fairgrounds are transformational with carnival rides coming in and exhibits going up.”
The fairgrounds’ Swine Barn was renovated with a $250,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Agriculture.
A new swine barn will be dedicated at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9, to benefit what Kuykendall says is the fastest growing animal department at the fair.
“More kids are wanting to raise and show off their swine,” Kuykendall added. “FFA, 4-H and Open Class competitors have already maxed-out the larger swine barn.”
Many of the pigs are then offered for sale at the Junior Livestock Auction, 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18.
Cooling stations will be available inside the Community Events building and Expo Hall.
Featured events at the fair include:
- The Lewis County Rodeo runs two days, 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 16-17, including mutton busting competition each night.
- Two Monster Truck shows, 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19.
- The Demolition Derby is 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20.
Grandstand box seat tickets are available by calling the fair office at 360-740-1495. General admission and carnival tickets are available by clicking here.
The Southwest Washington Fair runs Aug. 15-20 at the fairgrounds at 1909 S. Gold St. in Centralia.