Ferry County Fair, Washington
Enjoy the Simple Pleasures of A County Fair....
Aug 29-31, 2008. Looking for an end-of-the-summer weekend that doesn't involve smog, traffic-choked streets, expensive parking, and crowd-clogged events? Then skip Seattle's Bumbershoot and plan to attend the Ferry County Fair in Republic, Washington. A scenic, five-and-a-half-hour drive from Seattle, the fair provides visitors with all the fun and pleasures of an old-fashioned country fair in an environment of sweet, clean mountain air, pastoral mountain roads, and jewel-like lakes.
The county fair traces its origins to Grange fairs begun in 1940. Reclassified as a county fair in 1971, the fair now has something to offer every taste and interest. Explore local art, crafts, photography, canning, dog shows, livestock exhibitions, and horse shows. Exhibits are entered on Wednesday. Judging is scheduled for Thursday. Friday is Kid's Day, and includes games and races. On Saturday and Sunday, witness exciting Pony Express, ¾- and 1-mile horse races, as well as trailer, barrel, women's 1/4 mile races, and timed-event contests. In between the contests, shows, and exhibits, enjoy the hot dog, hamburger, and taco stands.
Blues, Bluegrass, and Old-time Music
Expect a great line up of local musicians this year. Last year's line up included the Acoustic Brigade, Prairie Flyer; The South Hill Ramblers; and Round the Bend; Los Rusteros; Halfway There; and Sid Cowen and friends. Check back later in 2008 to learn more about this year's line-up.
At 8:00 p.m., both Friday and Saturday nights, prepare for a boot-scootin' good time at the Country-Western Barn Dance. For the official music schedule, visit the Ferry County Fair's information page .
Antique Carousel
Visitors to the fair shouldn't miss an opportunity to photograph and ride Ferry County's restored, century-old merry-go-round. The traveling carnival merry-go-round (popularized in the late 19th century) was built by the Armitage-Herschell Company between 1895-1900. Youngsters and oldsters alike are encouraged to give it a ride; it's a joy to the eye and the spirit.
Food & Lodging
Stay at the fairground's campground on O'Brien Creek (full hook-ups available). Cabin, motel, camping, and RV sites are also available at nearby Curlew Lake, and in Republic, and Curlew, Washington. Restaurants, groceries, and camping supplies are available in the town of Republic and (to a lesser extent) in Curlew, Washington.
Location
The Ferry County fairground is located 3-1/2 miles northeast of Republic, Washington on Hwy. 20.
Information
For specific fair event and business opportunities visit the Ferry County Fair's official Web site.
Nearby Activities
Fossil hunting - spend a morning or afternoon finding your own 50 million year old fossil at the Boot Hill Fossil site (associated with the Stonerose Interpretive Center) located at the northern tip of Republic, Washington.
Crafts and antique shopping - prepare to be dazzled by the variety and affordability of the items you'll find in local antique stores and trading posts.
Water sports - Swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, and jet skiing on beautiful Curlew Lake.
Hiking and biking - Explore hundreds of miles of beautiful hiking trails like those near Swan Lake, along the Kettle Crest Trail in the Colville National Forest.
Map is for entertainment purposes only. FerryCounty.com makes no claims as to the accuracy of the map.
