Central Washington State Fair
The Central Washington State Fair is an annual event in Yakima that combines amusement rides, food, and entertainment in one location. The grounds feature carnival rides such as the Ferris wheel and carousels, performance stages, food stalls offering classic fair treats and regional specialties, exhibition halls displaying farm animals and crafts, and game areas where visitors can participate in contests and competitions.
The fair has existed for many years in Yakima and has grown from a small gathering into a major regional event. It developed into a celebration of local culture and agricultural traditions that now attracts thousands of visitors annually from surrounding areas.
The fair celebrates local agriculture and craftsmanship of the Yakima Valley through regional producers and artisans. Visitors experience this connection by tasting local wine, craft beer, and farm products while vendors share their offerings and stories.
Arriving early helps secure a good parking spot, and wearing comfortable shoes is advisable as the grounds are extensive and require considerable walking. Free shuttle buses run throughout the day from multiple locations in Yakima and Union Gap to the fairgrounds, eliminating parking costs and making access convenient.
One food booth on the grounds has operated for over 100 years, serving lamb burgers and representing one of the fair's oldest traditions. This long-standing vendor reveals how deeply the fair is woven into the local food heritage and community memory.
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