By Marianne Lincoln

PUYALLUP, WA — It’s all there, caramel apples, inflated alien dolls, bubble makers, crazy rides, onion cheeseburgers, barbecue chicken and ribs, excited children, sheep, pigs, cows, and even camels. It’s the fair in Puyallup. This year, it is called the Washington State fair.

Gone is the whole two-story structure with cow heads at the gold gate. Moved is the floral building and the giant pumpkins who took over the building that housed vendors near the Hobby Hall. Yes, the Hobby Hall is in the same place.

Scone booths were everywhere. Close to the end of the day the lines were long, really long. This was the last day to get scones. Few know that Fisher scones are available in the grandstand at most weekend events when the fairgrounds are open.

Today was the last day of the Fair’s two and a half week run. The rumor is true, there are discounts at some booths on the last day, especially in the evening. Anyone for 40% off on an ice cream or root beer float on a cold day?

At BBQ Pete’s, the folks basting the chicken and ribs teased about taking tips from people gawking at the grub and sniffing the scrumptious scented air. Dogs looked tired in the show barn with their colored ribbons hanging on the wall behind them. The goats didn’t care about anything except snacking on the alfalfa in their pens.

There was also wind and a brief torrential downpour of rain. Folks with umbrellas continued along their way. Those without rain gear, ducked into the animal barns, Showplace and other buildings. It was close to lunchtime, so many dashed into the food building for a fair burger. It was a good day for a warm latte.

This year’s giant pumpkin broke a record at 1314.5 pounds, but you had to find it in a different place. The quilts were as intricate and amazing as ever and I noticed several people salivating at the pies leftover from the tasting event.

Yes, it was as grand a fair as it always has been. As a kid growing up near Puyallup, I have a great appreciation for the fair and the changes over the years. I still miss the laughing lady, there isn’t even a photograph of her in the museum. She died in the 1970 fire, figuratively speaking. History of the fair can be found here. In the 1960’s I would sit for hours in a restaurant near the fairgrounds as my father gave helicopter rides over the fair to curious visitors. From the window of my home on Canyon Road, I could see the fireworks they used to set off every night. Of course, I was actually supposed to be in bed asleep and often got caught watching.

Today wasn’t my day for taking rides. I love roller coasters, but I didn’t get on the new Rainier Rush, someone else might have to comment on it. Rides are always my favorite after dark. As I am writing, there is a thunderstorm passing over and headed to the fairgrounds. I am hoping everyone will be safe. The Extreme Scream might really be so in the wrong weather.

The fair and summer are nearly over, it will be officially Fall tomorrow. It was a great way to spend the equinox, but always hard to let go. At 10 p.m. tonight it’s over. I’ll remember it once again fondly, tomorrow morning when I eat my last scone.