Chickens clucked, guinea pigs shuffled, and a goat stood among the Thurston County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, July 21, as the board issued a formal proclamation celebrating the 2026 Thurston County Fair.
The fair runs Thursday, July 30, through Sunday, August 2, at the Thurston County Fairgrounds and Event Center, 3054 Carpenter Road SE in Lacey. Nearly 4,000 exhibits had been registered as of July 21, according to Fairgrounds and Event Center Manager Thomasina Cooper.
The proclamation acknowledged the "crucial link" the fair serves between the county's agricultural heritage and contemporary society, and encouraged residents to participate.
Youth Market Sale tops $1 million over five years
The fair's Youth Market Sale, held Saturday, August 1, connects 4-H and FFA members who raised project animals with local buyers and sponsors.
Over the past five years, the volunteer-run sale has facilitated more than $1 million in animal sales and sponsorships, according to committee president Celeste Winthers.
"They go on to be active members of our community. They know the business end of a shovel, and they know what it takes to earn a dollar," Winthers said at the proclamation ceremony.
Kevin Jensen, Thurston County's Agriculture Program Manager, grew up as a "fair kid" and now runs Riverbend Ranch in Tenino with his wife. He's guiding his own children through their first years raising and showing animals.
Jensen estimated a few hundred project animal entries had been submitted for the 2026 fair as of July 21.
Jensen told commissioners the fair barns are where the next generation of South Sound farmers gets started.
Commissioner's daughter showing sheep named Potato
Commissioner Wayne Fournier said his daughter is showing a sheep named Potato at the 2026 fair. Fournier is offering $100 to whoever sends him the best selfie with Potato on Facebook.
"Go and visit all the animals and visit all the kids, but be sure to find Potato," Fournier said.
What to know before you go
The four-day fair features daily promotions:
- Thursday, July 30 (Thrifty Thursday): $1 admission with a nonperishable food donation for the Thurston County Food Bank
- Friday, July 31 (Fun Friday): Unlimited carnival ride wristband available; inaugural Kiddie Krawl Contest by KGY at noon on the Lucky Eagle Main Stage (registration at 11 a.m.)
- Saturday, August 1 (Military & First Responders Day): $2 admission for active military, veterans, and first responders; free commissioners pancake breakfast 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Heritage Hall
- Sunday, August 2 (Kids Day): $2 admission for kids ages 6–14; children 5 and under free every day
Entertainment includes the Vuelta La Luna Circus, Grizzley Artwork Chainsaw Demos, Reptile Isle, and local music acts such as the Cliff Rice Band and Catherine Loyer & Strawberry Roan.
The fair is also marking America's 250th birthday with a State Archives exhibit and a civic storytelling project feeding into the second volume of the Thurston County Fair History Book.
A George Washington impersonator will roam the grounds, and kids can vote on a name for the fair's new mascot: Mr. Cloppity, Galloping Gertie, Turbo, or Harry Trotter.
Full schedule, tickets, and directions are available at thurstoncountywa.gov.
