PORT ANGELES — The beer garden at the Clallam County Fair will be expanded to include the demolition derby now that the Clallam County Commissioners approved the decision.
“The expansion is limited to operations beginning one hour before and ending one hour after the demolition derby on Sunday, Aug. 17,” said Parks, Fair and Facilities Director Donald Crawford via email. “Additionally, wine, and selected drinks (none containing spirits) will be available for purchase. To enter the beer garden on Sunday, patrons will be required to have both a fair admission and a demo derby admission wristband.”
The expansion is to curb the instances of “tailgating” in the fair parking lots and to the south of the arena, Crawford said.
“This allows law enforcement the ability to provide a legal option for alcohol consumption,” he wrote. “It is essential to note that Demolition Derby drivers, pit crews and individuals with pit passes will not be able to enter the beer garden until after the event concludes.”
The Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts (JFFA) will continue to operate the beer garden, Crawford said.
There have been no incidents related to the beer garden in the past two years, he said, adding that those who wish to consume an alcoholic drink at the fair have a legal option to do so.
“There have been limited complaints since the beer garden began operations in 2023, primarily due to the professional operations of JFFA,” Crawford said. “The consensus is that JFFA will continue to provide compliant and successful county fair beer gardens.”
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Reporter Emily Hanson can be reached by email at emily.hanson@peninsuladailynews.com.