Eighth KP Fair bigger and better

Colleen Slater, KP News

The Key Peninsula Community Fair board is excited about the eighth annual fair, with emphasis on first-time local entertainers, as well as a repeat of popular attractions. Fair attendees increase every year, including many from beyond the Key Peninsula.

Hundreds of volunteers contribute thousands of hours to make this a successful event.

Board President Mike Hays raves about the Davis Carnival from Clackamus, Ore., the third year for this company to set up here. The company is already booked for next year.

L-r, Leah Durasmith and Auburn Luedke, at last year’s Teen Night. Photo by Mindi LaRose

Hays says there are no longer enough carnivals to go around, and some available ones aren’t high quality. Davis’ carnival advertises clean, wholesome fun for all ages, with thrilling rides and challenging games. They enjoy coming to the Key Peninsula, according to Hays.

“Pre-sale” all-day carnival passes are available at Sound Credit Union and Sunnycrest Nursery in Key Center, and the Beach Hut in Home. These passes sell for $20 instead of the onsite price of $25, and also include free admission to the fair.

Teen Night opens the fair on Thursday, July 10, at 6 p.m. for sixth grade through high schoolers. Free admission, karaoke, carnival rides, and food are part of the activities. Students need money for carnival, food and beverages.

New this year in Agri-vision is the Farmers Market on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Farmers from around the peninsula will bring produce and samples of other products they sell. Some will also bring animals for the always popular petting zoo. Sheep from Kaukiki Farm will be on hand for shearing demonstrations, and fleece samples will be displayed.

The focus on entertainment this year is “local” but that term covers the Northwest. Dr. William Roes and his Down Home Band, Donn Allard and Renegade Train, Jazz Musette, and Shahdaroba dancers all include peninsula people. Swing Fever leader Stan Yantis hails from Mason Lake, and Mazey-T-Clown from Steilacoom.

Mazey performs at noon on the main stage both Saturday and Sunday. She’ll wander the grounds to entertain kids and adults alike after the performances.

Magician Kevin Wolfe, as well as the famous and funny Valentine Pigs, return by popular demand.

Three community nonprofit groups — Key Peninsula Business Association, Key Peninsula Civic Center Association, and the Longbranch Improvement Club — created and maintain the Key Peninsula Community Fair. Members of these organizations and volunteers from across the peninsula expend a lot of time and effort to make the fair a memorable event each year.

This eighth fair continues the tradition of a safe, affordable event for the whole family, with a multitude of exhibits, entertainers, competitions, and local vendors.