The Classic End to Summer: The Washington County Fair {Plus Giveaway!}

Make memories at the Washington County Fair and win $50 in ride tickets.

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I have been compensated for this post, but all opinions are my own. #MyWCF15

Being a 4-H girl (who lived in a larger town and didn’t even have pets growing up, let alone farm animals) I have a lot of memories that involve the Washington County Fair.

To me, it always represented the end of summer, because it often fell back then in what was the first week or so of school. It was also the week of my birthday, so it was a fun time all around.

My 4-H group, Land o’ Goshen 4-H, would always work the food booth (aka concession stand) during the Monday of the fair, when it wasn’t open yet, so we would serve the people setting up the rides and the 4-Hers bringing in their exhibits and getting their animals settled in. It was always hot and hectic and fun.

I know the fair means a lot of different things to different people, whether you remember riding the rides, checking out the animals or playing carnival games. For me, it was all about the crafts. Naturally.my grand champion ribbon

I’d spend all summer (and a lot of time with my grandma) working on different projects to take to the fair. I’d paint little ornaments, knit, sew, do cross stitch, take pictures, can, bake… One of the last was this baby blanket, which was supposed to be for a friend but my mom thought I should keep it after it won a Grand Champion ribbon. (What happened after that is a story for another day.)

I haven’t entered anything in 20 (!) years, but adults can enter items, too. Check out the exhibitor’s handbook for more information on categories and how to enter. I was really thinking about doing it this year, but I’d have to enter things on my birthday, which sounds less fun than it used to.

One of the special events for crafty folk — youth and adult — is the Sew with Cotton competition. Entries can be dressy or sportswear (adults can also make an outfit to be modeled by another person) or a quilt/wall hanging.

#MyWCF15Make memories at the Washington County Fair and win $50 in ride tickets.

You can make your own fair stories this year when the Washington County Fair opens September 1-5 at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Fayetteville. Check out the full schedule of events, or just know that the front gates open at 10 a.m. each day. Tuesday is $2 gate entry and $2 rides with a canned food item.

Wednesday is school day, meaning church and school groups can attend free until 3 p.m., while Thursday is Senior Citizen Day, when people 62 and older can get in free between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Midnight Madness is Friday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. and the gates open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, while Sizzling Saturday is the same deal and time as the Friday night event — $20 for an armband with a Pepsi can.

General gate admission is $5 a person; those 6 and under get in free. Admission does not include rides.

[Tweet “Enter to win $50 in ride tickets from @MyWashCoFair! #NWArk #MyWCF15”]

Ride Ticket Giveaway!

If you’re planning to attend the fair and would like some free rides, listen up. I have $50 worth of ride tickets for one lucky winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I’d love to hear your fair stories, whether having to do with the Washington County Fair or whatever fair you grew up with. Do you take your kids to the fair now? Let’s hear about it!


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12 Comments

  1. My husband and I have enjoyed taking all three kids to visit the animal barns each year starting when they are babies. Seeing all the animals getting ready for showing is always fun! The past two years we take the big kids to the midway in the evening. We love family traditions and we are looking forward to the fair this year!

  2. I loved fair time and I still do! When I was in high school I showed hogs and loved every minute of it. Now I am an mom and my girls show dairy goats. I am really looking forward to the fair this year.

  3. I love the exhibits & the animals & the food. Love the fair!! Btw, I clicked on a couple of your links & they are not working. Great article though, brought back lots if memories.

  4. My favorite memories of the fair always involve food. It’s the only time of the year that I allow myself all of that yummy fried goodness!

  5. I remember the excitement of putting all my 4-H entries in the local fair and getting those ribbons. I still have them all!

  6. My kids have grown up visiting the fair each year to see the animals and exhibits. An event they look forward to each year. As they grow older we need to look into having them participate next year.

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