presents the

Fair History

The first recorded Kitsap County Fair was held in 1923 in Port Orchard, some 15 miles from its present location.  It moved to Bremerton, its present location, in 1958.  In 1929, exhibitors at the Fair totaled 1,000; today there are more than 6,000, with annual attendance of 80,000.

In 1960, the Chief Kitsap Stampede sold stock certificates for $1 and constructed the Thunderbird Arena.  When completed it held 12,000 spectators.  In the late ‘70’s, portions of the Arena were condemned. The covered grandstands were later added. Today the Arena holds 5,000 spectators and is used year-round for various events such as D-derby, Draft Horse Show, monster trucks and more.  The complex has an annual overall attendance at its various events of more than 211,000.

AIMS & PURPOSES

The Kitsap County Fair & Stampede is held annually for the purpose of educating, entertaining and creating a better quality of life for the residents of Kitsap County and surrounding counties.

EDUCATION

Will consist of teaching our youth historical lessons so they may better understand what has shaped Kitsap County to become what it is today and what it will become in the future. We promote agriculture so that consumers may better understand the source of their food and fiber. We will also provide information to consumers so that they may make better choices of products and ideas in their private lives. Competitive exhibits are another one of the tools that our fair will use to educate our customers.

ENTERTAINMENT

Will be available to assist people in enjoying the fair and it will also be used as a tool to increase fair attendance so that we may do a better job of education.

A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE

Will be the end result of the education and entertainment provided by the Kitsap County Fair & Stampede. Providing meeting space for our public to use off season is another way that we improve the quality of life for our customers. The Kitsap County Fair & Stampede generates community spirit by being the largest interaction of residents from our county and the surrounding counties.