Where can you see live animals of all kinds – from dogs to cattle – eat your fill of tasty treats, play games, go on rides, enjoy live entertainment, check out the best in gardening and even see a wedding? Only at the 2024 Grays Harbor County Fair of course! Happening July 31 through August 3, 2024, you won’t want to miss a minute!
The Return of the Grays Harbor County Fair Wedding
Wedding trends come and go, but maybe one of the most fun was getting married at your local county fair! It’s an old tradition that happened at county fairs across America. “1885 is the first year that I have found for fair weddings,” shares Tracy Travers, grays harbor county fair history and heritage booth superintendent and local historian. It appears to have been a big deal for a long time, the last one I have found was as recent as 1967. I believe it was in Washington.” Check out this YouTube video that has footage of a Fair wedding from 1926.
The Grays Harbor Fair crew believes the first wedding at the Grays Harbor County Fair was in 1912. “I am not sure why the weddings started, but it was a very popular event,” shares Elaina Diaz, public relations & creative assistant for Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds & Tourism. “An article published by the Aberdeen Herald on September 15, 1916, estimated that 10,000 were present at the Fair Wedding!”
The couple getting married at the fair would often receive gifts for their first year of marriage from local businesses and individuals.
It’s been several decades since the last wedding at the Grays Harbor County Fair. Tracy, who has been researching Grays Harbor History, approached the Fair group about bringing the beloved tradition back. “She has so many wonderful ideas, and she really brought this to life,” shares Elaina. “We thought that it would be a fun way to bring an old tradition back, and we would love for the Fair Wedding to continue and grow! The Grays Harbor County Fair is such a huge community event, we wanted to give somebody the opportunity to celebrate their love in a unique and unforgettable way. Weddings should be magical and joyful, and we hope to provide that to the lucky couple!”
Keeping with tradition, the lucky couple has not been announced yet. The wedding will take place Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 5 p.m. on the Dennis Co. Ace Stage.
New Grays Harbor County Fair Exhibit Honors Local Areas
Another exciting new attraction at the Grays Harbor County Fair is an indoor exhibit in the Pavilion. Each year, the exhibit will highlight a Grays Harbor area or community. “This year, we chose Westport. A gentleman named John Shaw, from Westport’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee is working with us on that special feature,” explains Mike Bruner, Manager, Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds & Tourism. “With, ‘A Whale of Good Time’ being the fair theme this year, featuring the Westport area seemed like a great fit.
Grays Harbor County Fair 2024 Schedule Highlights
The four days of the Grays Harbor County Fair are packed with summer activities for the whole family. Each day you can explore the 4-H and FFA exhibits – these kids have worked hard all year to get their project ready to show at fair. Support them by checking out their hard work and asking them questions. The Fair is also a great time to see learn about all the options your kids have for joining 4-H or FFA this coming year! Or maybe you want gardening tips for yourself? Check out the Master Gardeners’ garden, it really shines during Fair season! You’ll also find plenty of great shows in the Open classes too – you might just decide to enter next year.
Funny Juggler, Capt’n Jackie, Penelope the Clown, Dancehouse Dancers and the NW Wildlife Sanctuary, along with cheerleading and other demos will entertain crowds the four days of the Fair. Musical highlights including Neal McCoy on July 31; Dylan Scott, August 1; Taken by the Sky, a Fleetwood Mac Tribute August 2; and Crush, a Bon Jovi Experience August 3.
On Saturday, August 3, the car races start at 4 p.m.! Included in your fair admission, races including IMCA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Hornets.
Do not forget the carnival! Make time to play some games and enjoy the thrill of the rides. Wristbands will be available every day of the fair for $40. Save money by purchasing yours in advance at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds Office, or at the 1st Security Bank locations in Elma, Montesano and Aberdeen until Monday, July 29, for just $35 each. Wristbands include unlimited rides. Separate Fair admission required.
See the complete schedule by visiting the Grays Harbor County Fair website.
2024 Grays Harbor County Fair Admission Discounts
Tickets are $15 for adults 16-61; $10 for seniors 62 and over and youth 6 to 15; and kids under 5 are free. Daily Military Appreciation Discount is $2 off admission with Military ID any day of the Fair. Also, New this year, in an effort to maintain value, parking is free!
Discounted Days
Kid’s Day – All Day Thursday, August 1
$2 off admission for Youth (6-15)
Ride specials on this day too!
Free Admission Hour Friday, August 2
Free admission from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Nowhere else will you get this much entertainment for one low price! The Grays Harbor County Fair gives you an entire day of activities and entertainment, with one low-cost entrance fee. For more information, including purchasing tickets and wristbands, visit the Grays Harbor County Fair website.
You are sure to have a whale of a good time – see you at the Fair!
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