YAKIMA, Wash.- State Fair Park is buzzing once again as the Central Washington Fair kicks off September 20. The classic carnival games, food, vendors and more await, but there’s plenty of new additions that has organizers excited.
“Our team has been working all year round to bring so many amazing new things,” says Fair Board President and CEO Kathy Kramer. “We can’t wait to see the community enjoy them.”
Most fair experiences include getting a bite to eat at the fairgrounds. 22 new food items have been brought to Yakima for the first time this year.
Some feature a twist on the classics, like a chorizo corn dog or funnel cake with a Barbie-twist.
One with early popular reviews packs a crunch with a crispy deep-fried pickle, drizzled with potato chips on top.
“How can you go wrong with a pickle and deep-fry?” says Kramer.
If you’re having trouble finding the pickles or any of the new items, keep an eye out for QR codes. State Fair Park has launched a special map that focuses on the new menu items.
There are new additions even if none of the food piques your appetite.
Kramer is exceptionally excited about the petting zoo, seeing the fair has run without one since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re back to normal, yes!” says Kramer. “Those business are now finding their way back out. How fun, because how many times do you actually get to get in the in the pen area with them?”
FunVille will be on the south end of the fairgrounds, behind the Valley Building. The free pig races run at 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, and 7 pm.
For the adults, the new Back Porch Beer Garden will have an exclusive for beer drinkers.
“We have partnered with Cowiche Creek Brewing to create a specific Harvest Haze IPA,” says Kramer. “We got to be part of the process, our mascots and our food and beverage chef got to help with the recipes. You can only get it here!”
The fair-exclusive beer will be available across the fairgrounds but only until closing day.
