New Kitsap County Fair management promises more variet

Following a few organizational bumps in recent years, organizers are hoping to make the Kitsap County Fair & Stampede special this year.

“We’re trying to add more ‘country fair’ feel, bringing back old standards,” said Sunny Saunders, who’s on her second year working with the fair management team.

The fair kicks off in August with the theme “Somethin’ to Squeal About.” The fair, established in 1923, is held at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds, 1200 NW Fairgrounds Road in Bremerton.

Saunders said to expect more entertainers and new events like hay scrambles, diaper derbies and pie-eating contests.

About 75,000 people usually attend, and Saunders hopes they’ll draw in more people this year.

She also hopes to see people who can’t spend a lot of money at the rodeo or carnival will want to come stroll around the vendors and performers.

The PRCA Xtreme Bulls event is moving to the Wednesday of fair week, Aug. 22, a change from its previously normal Sunday slot.

Food stalls will offer treats like tacos, pierogies and Cajun-style cooking.

A few different stages will host performers, such as fire-eaters, hypnotists, jugglers, magicians and various community groups.

Country singer Jerrod Neimann will play Aug. 23 on the Geico concert stage, and Joey Dean will host the West Hills Autoplex Adult Beverage Garden.

Fair management brought on new advisory board members, including Diana Pheasant as entertainment director.

Silverdale resident Hank Mann-Sykes said the fair has been lackluster in the past, so he hopes the improvements help.

“I think that would revitalize it, give more variety,” Mann-Sykes said.

 

Contact Bremerton Patriot Staff Writer Kate Whittle at kwhittle@bremertonpatriot.com or 360-308-9161x5062.

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