The summer fun continues with the start of the King County Fair Thursday, Relay For Life Saturday and the Wilkeson Handcar Races July 16.
The King County Fair
This year Universal Fairs takes over the King County Fair for four days of activity at the Enumclaw Expo Center. It’s the 148th year for the fair and organizers are tabbing it “A Return to Greatness.”
Gates open at 5 p.m. Thursday and close at 10. Activities continue between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Admission is $5 for adults and youth. Kids 4 years old and younger are free. Admission includes all shows and concerts. Ride tickets and wristbands are $20 everyday. Parking is $5.
Organizers say the fair will return in the full tradition deserving of the oldest fair west of the Mississippi with midway rides, kiddie rides, attractions, 4-H livestock show and exhibits, an antique tractor display, petting zoo, pig races, tractor pulls, lawn mower races and concerts including Enumclaw “The Voice” contestant Justin Grennan, who is scheduled to take the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday.
For a full schedule of events and concerts, visit the website at www.thekingcountyfair.com or call 901-867-7007.
Relay For Life
The American Cancer Society’s Enumclaw Relay For Life kicks off at noon Saturday at J.J. Smith Elementary School, 1640 Fell St., and continues through 9 a.m. Sunday.
This year’s colorful theme is Mardi Gras.
Relay For Life is a two-day event that raises awareness and donations for the American Cancer Society. Team members take turns walking the track in an effort to draw attention to the disease. Relay includes a Survivor’s Lap, educational displays, games and activities and a luminary lighting ceremony at dusk.
This year’s Enumclaw Relay is expected to draw 41 teams with 396 participants and has raised more than $60,000 so far.
Olson’s Meats Team Brave leads the fundraising with more than $7,000 raised. Cancer Crusaders is second at $5,600 and Amazing Grace is third with $4,000.
For information, go to http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=33772.
Wilkeson Handcar Races
Wilkeson’s 36th annual Handcar Races festivities kickoff at 11 a.m. July 16 with a parade along Church Street. The Seattle Cossacks, a renowned motorcycle stunt and drill team, will perform right after the parade in front of the elementary school.
All afternoon spectators can watch as well as participate in the racing competition in the handcar or lawnmower contests at the Coke Oven Park. Teams from area businesses can compete in a tug-of-war contest at 4 p.m. Awards or trophies will be presented after the races.
Visitors can stroll through town and enjoy the vendors, food and music. There will be a face-painting and games for children at Town Hall. Kids can visit with Smokey Bear and make crafts with Lily the Ladybug, courtesy of the Pierce County Library System. Glitter Bug the clown will be entertaining kids beginning at 1 p.m.
The charge for vending booths is $25 and most nonprofit groups are permitted free. Vendors may contact Donna at 360-829-4281.
Parade entries are free; contact Linda at 360-892-3714.
Those interested in the handcar or lawnmower races can visit www.townofwilkeson.com for all application forms and rules; click “local links” then Booster Club.
SIDEBAR
Community-service projects and club business meetings have been conducted, public presentations and educational posters have been completed, and now 4-H youth throughout King County are ready to display what they have been learning since fall.
Kids, ages 5 to 19, participate in 4-H projects like dogs, robotics, photography, gardening, sewing and more each year from October through July and are ready to display the fruits of their labor at the King County Fair starting Thursday.
Participants will be trying to qualify for state-level competition in Puyallup in September. More information about the WSU Extension 4-H youth development program is available at 4h.wsu.edu or you can call 206-205-3152.
