Kitsap County Fair and Stampede sees increase in attendance

(Port Orchard, WA) – Sunny weather, warm temperatures, world-class rodeo and top-flight entertainment made this year’s Kitsap County Fair & Stampede one of the most popular ever. Over 81,000 attended the Fair, an increase of about 10% over 2008. More than 29,000 attended the Stampede, a 33% increase from 2008.

“The Kitsap County Fair & Stampede is a family-oriented local event and very popular with residents,” said Charlotte Garrido, Chair of the County’s Board of Commissioners. “It’s an affordable outing for families and a great opportunity to see the varied talents we have in Kitsap County,” she said.

Those attending the Fair had a myriad of choices to make once they entered the Fairgrounds. The Kitsap Stampede continues to delight residents each year. The Stampede won the 2008 Remuda Award, given by the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association for the best Rough Stock, and continues to receive national recognition as an official Tour Stop on the PRCA Wrangler Million Dollar Silver Tour. The Seminole Hard Rock Xtreme Bulls were back delighting those who attended on the final day.

Local and regional acts, including dancers, musicians, magicians and other unique performers, provided entertainment on four separate Fairgrounds stages. National acts Eddie Money and Bucky Covington headlined the concert series. Exotic animals, collections, crafts, 4-H, and farm animals, as well as a cornucopia of food choices, rounded out the Fair experience.

“The Fair is always a family favorite, but it could not happen without the help of our volunteers,” said Frank Abbott, Fair & Special Events Manager. “They are the backbone of the Fair and provide support in every facet of operations,” he said. This year, it is estimated that more than 700 volunteers donated more that 20,000 hours to the Fair. In addition many more hours were donated by 4-H and other community organizations during the Fair.

There is little time to rest for Fair planners. “Work has already begun on next year’s Fair,” said Abbott. Next year’s Kitsap County Fair & Stampede will run August 25th through August 29th. “We plan for it to be the best Fair & Stampede ever,” he said.

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To contact the Public Communications Manager, 
call Doug Bear at 360-337-4598 or email: dbear@co.kitsap.wa.us