More than 88,000 people attended the Southwest Washington Fair during its six-day run last week, which represented the highest admission into the fair “in recent memory,” according to Lewis County Parks and Recreation Administrator B.J. Kuykendall.
“Preliminary numbers indicate that this was the most well-attended fair in recorded history,” Lewis County Manager Ryan Barrett said Tuesday. “It looks like it was well-attended by the community, and the fair staff and all of the volunteers did an amazing job. We’re very grateful for the work that they’ve put in.”
According to stats provided by Kuykendall, 88,370 people attended between Tuesday and Sunday last week. The figure is up from the 72,805 who attended the fair in 2023, and nearly 10,000 more people than the 79,120 who attended in 2014.
“Our big picture is that the Southwest Washington Fair brings people together and builds our community,” Kuykendall said.
Kuykendall cited several factors as contributors to the high turnout, including moderate weather and a high number of exhibitors.
“We just had a great fair,” Kuykendall said. “A lot of positive vibes.”
While a late summer storm blew into Western Washington late Saturday afternoon, the day was the most well-attended during the six-day fair, with more than 18,200 people venturing to the fairgrounds. Friday was the second most popular, with more than 17,000 people attending.
During the fair, 912 exhibitors submitted 6,894 exhibits, which ranged from livestock to produce to quilts.
While officials are still waiting for firm totals, Kuykendall said the junior livestock sale raised a record amount, with more than $800,000 collected.
“Ultimately it’s not about livestock, it’s about building young people and letting them know our community cares about them,” Kuykendall said.
Sales at both the food vendors and carnival rides also appear to be above last year’s totals, though Kuykendall said the fair is still waiting for final numbers.
