The 2022 Washington State Fair kicked off on Sept. 2, and runs through Sept. 25. This is the first Washington State Fair without restrictions since 2019. The first fair took place in 1900 in Puyallup and is the largest in the Pacific Northwest, as well as one of the largest in the world. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors numbered over one million annually.

"We have a lot of new food," said Stacy Van Horne, Public Relations Manager, Washington State Fair. "Extreme Carnival Eats is a booth that will feature whimsical carnival food such as a smash burger, which is a burger squished between two doughnuts. They'll also have various flavors of cheese dogs and a cotton candy sandwich. In total there are a handful of new vendors and new menu items from various food vendors."

According to the media kit fair goers can enjoy the following new experiences.

• Fair History Experience (free exhibit): Don't miss the new Fair History Experience! The fair has embarked on a re-imagination of the former fair museum as an interactive, storytelling experience of the fair, its connection to the state and its people. The Fair History Experience will bring the excitement, fun and surprise to fair guests in this new concept of a museum. Guests will dive into the history of the fair through multimedia, artifact displays and whimsical representations. Anchored with a strong, chronological look at more than 120 years of the fair's past, guests will be able to locate and select content that most interests them. The Fair History Experience will not only showcase the stories of the past, but will also connect with current guests to continue to capture the stories of the fair for future generations. Experience large dimensional displays, new technology, sculptural elements and more! Days/Times: Daily, during fair hours. Location: Grandstand tunnel. Generously made possible by the Washington State Fair Foundation.
• Expedition: Dinosaurs: Discover a world 75 million years in the making. Featuring large animatronic dinosaurs and interactive displays. Days/Times: Daily, during fair hours. Cost: $9, ages 3+ (buy online or on-site). Location: Centennial Tent. Sponsored by Aqua Rec's.
• The Chute - Grandstand Dancin' In The Dirt: Concert ticket holders will get exclusive access to The Chute bar prior to the concert start time. The Chute is a new gathering spot, for guests ages 21+, with a full bar where you can pre-funk before the Dancin' In The Dirt Concert starts. Only Dancin' In The Dirt concert ticket holders have access to The Chute, where you might even get a glimpse of the rodeo action. Note: Rodeo/concert combo ticket holders do not have access to The Chute. All ages access to Dancin' In The Dirt concert will be available at Gate 13 at the conclusion of Rodeo. The Chute has limited capacity, first come first served, concert access available at Gate 13 after Rodeo concludes. Party & concert-only tickets: $45 (does not include Rodeo).
• SillyVille Train Expansion: Get ready for a longer choo-choo ride! The beloved ride in SillyVille is getting its tracks extended south towards the Green Gate. Guests will be able to zig zag their way through SillyVille and Timber Gulch.

"Every Monday is Military Appreciation Day at the fair. Active duty, retired, and disabled veterans, plus their dependents, get in free," concluded Van Horne.

WASHINGTON STATE FAIR, hours vary, fair closed on Tuesdays, Sept 2-25, 110 Ninth Ave. SW, Puyallup, 253.845.1771, www.TheFair.com.