Grays Harbor County Fair leaves people wanting more

Aug. 5—The Grays Harbor County Fair offered a lot to people.

A whole lot.

Take for instance the massive brick of curly fries one vendor was selling. Forget having the simple treat as a side, it's the whole meal. If a person eats a large fry at a fast food restaurant and says they're full afterward, this massive portion of potatoes laughs at that man. Why? The person would not have even made a dent in the gigantic offering of curly fries that seem like they'd be able to — with just potatoes and oil — feed a small family. At $14.15 for that size, you have to hunt to find a place that will serve that much food.

Tori Anderson, of McCleary, and her family were eating tacos from the El Rancho vendor as they discussed their thoughts on the fair. Saturday was their only day at the fair and it sounds like it was worth it for them to go. Their favorite part was the Poultry Barn.

"We're chicken people, so we enjoyed it," Anderson said before she said why it was her favorite. "(My favorite was) the different breeds, and how excited the kids were who were showing their animals, and seeing the awards that they won. The names they gave to their chickens, some of them were really fun."

Anderson called the tacos "delicious." Anderson was happy to be at the fair, as were two other generations of her family.

"We've got the whole crew with us today," Anderson said. "It's fun because we all live in different places, but it's a good place to come converge."

Food and drink — the hero of the day

If the curly fries weren't enough fuel for the children, teens, and adults alike to walk through the large-scale area full of rides, vendors, and carnival games, then head over for a cold, unique-tasting lemonade. One vendor offered guests to mix and match. Strawberry-Watermelon was a popular choice. While the cost — $10 — is probably high for some to choose it, it's delicious.

And in a fair where everything is on the pricey side — ask attendees, especially families because that's what many of them were saying — choose wisely. Even though it was much cooler at the fair this year — mid-70s — cold selections were the right selections. While several of the hot selections, such as perfectly made brisket burgers, bratwurst, corn dogs, and even espresso tasted great, it was still hot outside to people who were there long enough.

As the magicians on the Jodesha Broadcasting stage — Danny Lopez as Capt'n Jackie, Paul Isaak "The Funny Juggler" and Penelope the Clown — barked their routines to full crowds and did so with the hopes of attracting other people to watch their routines, people wandered happily through the fair. In addition to those magicians, Adam Carter, a Grays Harbor musician, sang his heart out.

No matter the entertainment, the attendees seemed to have a genuine blast as they headed to and from the next eye-catching element.

Rabbit ears

Melody Wilson, her daughter Peyton and toddler son Raylan all seemed to enjoy themselves. Even as Raylan squirmed and climbed on Melody, he seemed happy. Maybe it was his mom's fun and cheery disposition that kept his spirits up. Melody spoke about what she enjoyed.

"It's a great place for everybody to enjoy something," Melody said. "From a 2-year-old, to a 12-year-old to the 30-year-old, we're all having a blast. From the animals to the nostalgic food, hit up some of those booths, they're good."

Melody said her group just got off the rides. Their favorite ride was the Zipper.

But it was the pulled pork nachos that seemed to really interest Melody.

"We're going to have them," Melody said. "We just got off the rides. That's what I've been looking forward to having."

One mouth-watering sight was the ice cream cone people had in their sweet, sticky hands. The priority for many who were in line to get ice cream pivoted a little bit as soon as it was clear the cones weren't the only thing on the menu. The vendor also had hot fudge sundaes, made with Umpqua Dairy ice cream, whipped cream, mixed nuts and a cherry. At $5, it was worth it to sit under the canopy over the tables where families crowded. While not everyone shared their tables with strangers, most did.

But, the best combination to cool off came from the shaved, flavored ice in a cup. For $7, you get the "Kowabunga" serving, which is the largest cup. The strawberry flavored ice, or raspberry, or whatever else you choose from the several flavors, provided a brief escape from the hot sun. And the fact it was ice, it allowed a little time for someone to enjoy it, rest their feet, and plan for the next part to experience at the fair. And it was quite a popular stop for people. The line, a little confusing, snaked a bit outside the surrounding vendors. People had to ask "is here the end of the line for this, or that?" as they pointed to another vendor. But, it was like that for most of the popular vendors.

Never Say Goodbye

The fair, as with Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, wasn't over just because the sun went to bed. In fact, for music lovers, it was just starting.

On Saturday, it was almost like seeing the real Jon Bon Jovi, as the fair hosted "Crush Bon Jovi Experience," a cover band that plays all Bon Jovi's hits, such as "Living on a prayer," "It's my life," "You give love a bad name," and "Wanted Dead or Alive."

The singer and guitarist who looked like Bon Jovi himself, said was one of his old favorites was "Never Say Goodbye."

Just like in the song, people didn't want to say goodbye to the fair.

Instead, maybe they should all say "See you later" as the Grays Harbor County Fair will return in 2025.

Contact Reporter Matthew N. Wells at [email protected].