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Thanks in large part to the new inter-island pick-up and drop-off option, the number of exhibitor entries increased from last year and the Fairgrounds welcomed approximately 8,400 people over four days (for a total of nearly 15,000 visits!) to join in the fun.

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. September 5, 2024 - The 2024 San Juan County Fair included a joyous four days of showing livestock, exhibiting new creations from the last year, dancing, feasting, chicken racing, and much more as the community celebrated ‘100 Years at Home.’ Thanks in large part to the new inter-island pick-up and drop-off option, the number of exhibitor entries increased from last year and the Fairgrounds welcomed approximately 8,400 people over four days (for a total of nearly 15,000 visits!) to join in the fun.

“We shifted the dates this year to include both weekend days so that families and working folks could make the most of this once-a-year celebration,” said Brandon Andrews, Parks & Fair Director. “We were so thrilled to see this decision pay off with full crowds on Sunday.”

Toe-Tappin’ Tunes for All

The County Fair featured 16 local bands beside off-island acts to highlight both island talent and introduce new music. Every local band that asked to play at the Fair was included in the music lineup, and local bands Ska Island, Sway Wild, and Bad Dads rocked the mainstage Thursday through Saturday. Sunday was dedicated to Latin music, with two Cumbia bands that led the crowd in dances and call and response songs.

Sunday night also hosted the beloved Trashion Fashion show! With a sock monster, garbage bag hammer pants, a BBQ cowboy, and more, a runway of creative costumes filled the mainstage.

Island Representation

This year, it was easier than ever for residents of Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw Islands to enter exhibits into the Fair. For the first time, Fair staff traveled to the other islands to pick-up non-perishable entries and transport them to and from the Fair. This new feature resulted in 78 entries from 35 island neighbors.

Residents of Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw Islands were also able to travel to San Juan Island with grater confidence, knowing that WSF committed additional crews to staff the interisland ferry. San Juan County is grateful for WSF’s efforts to ensure smooth transportation to and from the Fair.

Did You See Us?

Several County departments and programs signed up as exhibitors at the Fair including the Health & Community Services Department, the Land Bank, and the Department of Environmental Stewardship with their notorious ‘Oh No!’ boat to raise awareness of the County's derelict vessel program.

The Fair Board Recognizes Vendors & Volunteers Who are “Keepin’ it 100!”

The San Juan County Fair Board has the privilege of awarding up to 10 awards each year for exceptional contributions to the annual San Juan County Fair. The awards are intended to recognize fair participants who add to the energy, vitality and unique identity of the Fair in a way that captures the attention and imagination of attendees. This year’s winners are: LOEA Designs (aka “The T-Shirt Booth”), Brad Fincher, LeAnne GrosJacques-Burt, Suzie’s Toys, PeaceHealth, Friends of the San Juans, Historical Society Pioneer Cabin, Farm to Ferry, and the Junior Arts & Crafts Entertainment.

Thank You 100 Times Over

Whether you boogied down with Flipside or the Powell Brothers, dined on elephant ears or street corn, lingered at the top of the Ferris wheel or raced in the Zucchini 500, the Parks & Fair Department thanks you for attending, participating, and making the Fair so special.

“We were thrilled with the turnout for the 100-year anniversary of our home at the Fairgrounds and sincerely thank everyone who volunteered their time and resources, shared their creativity and passions, and worked to make the largest event of the year such a success.”

Check out the full photo gallery from the Fair at: https://chaseanderson.pic-time.com/-fair2024/gallery

Contact: Amanda Smith, Events Coordinator (Parks & Fair Dept.), [email protected], 360-378-4310

About San Juan County’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Fair

San Juan County’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Fair oversees public parks on all four ferry-served islands, manages camping, and hosts the San Juan County Fair. The department offices are located at 849 Argyle Avenue, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Fair, visit www.sanjuanco.com/430/Parks-Recreation-Fair.

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Read the Press Release on the County website