PORT TOWNSEND — Shooting for a record year of attendance, Jefferson County Fair officials have rounded up a Wild West theme today through Sunday that’s a little bit country and a little bit rock ‘n’ roll.
“We would really like to go over 18,000 to break a record,” fair Director Sue McIntire said Aug. 4 at the fairgrounds where volunteers were busy prepping the exhibit buildings.
One major impediment last year, McIntire recalls, was that Hood Canal Bridge construction closed the floating structure.
That disconnected Kitsap County from Jefferson, deterring several exhibitors, vendors and visitors from attending the fair
The fair’s high point last year, however, was Washington’s own rock legends, The Kingsmen, who wowed Baby Boomers and youngsters with the primal beat of “Louie Louie.”
Rocking nostalgia is cool this year, too, with The Diamonds coming to the fair.
The 1950s group is known for “Little Darlin”‘ which reached No. 1 on the Top 40 and has sold more than 20 million copies, and “The Stroll.”
The Diamonds perform at 6 p.m. Saturday on the fairgrounds Main Stage.
New for country fans and those wanting to get a taste of the fair this year, MuchMore Country kicked off the fair at 7 Thursday night for three hours, performing at the Small Stage.
Back to the 1880s
The fairgrounds is being dressed up like an 1880s Western town and will feature exhibits such as a mare and foal burro in the Cow Barn and a petting zoo at the Rabbit Barn.
A “Pioneer Living Museum” will feature hands-on demonstrations that include yarn spinning and butter churning.
Contests will be conducted in each building, including name the number of “bunny buttons” in the Rabbit Barn.
“That way people will have to go to each department to participate,” said McIntire.
Don’t miss the cowboy boots contest, McIntire advises, in which participants bring in their best boots for three days of display and judging.
McIntire said the fair has used lodging tax dollars to broaden its advertising and promotion to set reach attendance record.
The fairgrounds is located on 49th Street in Port Townsend, and is accessible via Kearney Street, left on Blaine Street, then right on San Juan Avenue. San Juan veers left and turns into 49th.
See a complete list of activities in the Peninsula Daily News-produced Jefferson County Fair special section , published Aug. 4 with copies available at the fairgrounds, or go to www.jeffcofairgrounds.com.