YAKIMA, Wash.- The Central Washington State Fair is back in Yakima from September 19-28, bringing ten days of food, fun and family entertainment to State Fair Park. This year’s theme, “Cowabunga, It’s Fair Time!” celebrates the region’s rich dairy heritage. From cows to corndogs, the fair continues to serve as a showcase of Central Washington’s agricultural roots and community spirit.
Fairgoers can expect gates to open at 2p.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends. Monday through Thursday admission is $14.50 at the gate for adults and $9.50 for kids 6-12. Gate admission for adults goes up to $16 Friday through Sunday.
This year’s fair features an impressive lineup of attractions and entertainment.
Riding high at the fair
New to the fair this year is the “Super Shot”. During this ride 12 passengers are lifted up a 90-foot tower before they are shot down into an accelerated free fall. Dean Mcarter with Butler Amusements said riders experience G forces three and a half times more than normal. “It drops 50 feet per second,” said Mcarter.
Savor the flavor
Making their debut at the Central Washington State Fair, Winston’s Fish and Chips is serving up a taste of Britain with a surprising royal connection.
Owner Timothy Johnson was inspired by a British fish and chips shop he loved as a child in Portland, Oregon. In retirement, he brought that dream to life and took it a step further by teaming up with the former head chef of Buckingham Palace, who also cooked for Princess Diana and five U.S. presidents.
The menu features authentic British-style fish and chips with a side of curry sauce, a favorite in the UK, along with Princess Diana’s beloved bread and butter pudding, described as “a mix between grandma’s best bread pudding and crème brûlée.”
After a few funnel cakes, some time in the sun, and a few wild rides, fairgoers at the Central Washington State Fair might find themselves in need of something refreshing and Western Delight Old Fashioned Soda is ready to deliver.
Set up in a charming, Western-style chuckwagon booth, Western Delight isn’t your average soda stand. It’s a nostalgic experience with an emphasis on authentic flavors, pure ingredients, and Northwest-inspired twists.
“All of our sodas are sweetened with pure cane sugar,” said co-owner Allen Harrington. “They’re formulated by an Amish company in Pennsylvania, so they have a unique, handcrafted quality you just don’t find in mainstream sodas.”
One of their standouts this year is the Huckleberry Cream Soda, crafted specifically for the Northwest market. “We wanted something that really represented the region, and huckleberry was the perfect choice,” said Allen. “It’s exclusive to this area and made just for us.”
Fairgoers can expect a variety of vintage flavors at the stand, including classic sarsaparilla and a truly rare offering of a diet root beer sweetened with monk fruit. “It’s the only one like it in the United States,” Alan noted. “It’s sugar-free, but still tastes amazing.”
Whether you’re looking to cool off, relive the nostalgia of old-fashioned soda fountains, or just try something new, Western Delight Old Fashioned Soda is a must-visit.
Education meets Entertainment
Sea Lion Splash brings together entertainment and education, offering fairgoers a close-up experience with some truly talented marine mammals.
Trainer Suzy Bartholo leads the show alongside two of her star performers: Zoe, a 22-year-old rescued sea lion, and Maya, a sassy 7-year-old with a big personality.
“Zoe was rescued about 12 years ago,” Bartholo shared. “She’s the grandma of the show. She’s super sweet and loves to talk with you.” During the interview, Zoe showed off her skills from playful kisses to showing off her vocal abilities. “She’s always ready to perform and interact with the crowd.”
Maya, on the other hand, brings her own flair. “Maya is kind of sassy and does things on her own time,” Bartholo said. “She’ll just sit there like, ‘I’m watching you, but I’m not moving.’”
The show isn’t just about tricks and laughs. It’s also about education. “We talk about pollution, recycling, and the difference between seals and sea lions. People walk away with smiles and a little more knowledge.”
Sea Lion Splash offers three shows every weekend at 1:30p.m., 4p.m. and 6p.m. You can also watch them during the week at 3p.m. and 6p.m.
“Come watch the girls,” Bartolo smiled. “They’re amazing.”
Across the fairgrounds there’s a quieter corner where visitors can step into a world of history, heritage, and horsepower (literally).
This year at the Central Washington State Fair, the draft horse barn is a must-visit. The barn features not only draft horses but also mules and miniature horses, offering a fun and educational experience for all ages. Visitors can watch the horses get hitched to wagons and see them in action during the daily Draft Horse Show at 5:30 p.m. in the fairgrounds arena.
The exhibit is free and open every day. While you can’t feed or pet the animals, it’s a great chance to learn about these incredible animals and their role in farming history.
The swine barn also offers a heartwarming and educational experience, especially this year with a record number of piglets.
Amy Holbrook, who manages the pigs in the swine barn, said her family has deep roots at the fair. With Amy’s father serving as the Swine Superintendent and her twin brothers helping care for the animals. Together, they brought 30 piglets to the fair, the largest group ever shown there.
“This year we have an orphan litter,” Amy shared. “Mom rejected them, so we had to step in and take care of them ourselves.”
The piglets, including one affectionately named Skittles, require twice-daily feedings and constant attention. A big job, but one the family embraces.
Amy hopes visitors, especially kids, will leave with a greater appreciation for farm life and animal care. “It’s not every day you get to see baby piglets up close,” she said. “The joy on the kids’ faces is priceless.”
