Fair food available to-go for 3 weekends in July

PUYALLUP, Wash. — The Washington State Fair in Puyallup doesn't start until fall, but you can get your fix of fair food now.

“We love the fair. We like fair food,” said Ashley Wood. 1:50

That’s right. Ask just about anyone and they’ll tell you - it’s the food that brings them back to one of Washington’s biggest and most cherished traditions.

“I been coming here – I’m going to age myself a little bit - for almost 40 years so it’s just something special,” said Eddie Heyman.

“Where else can you get this stuff?” asked Pat Brinkman.

For three weekends in July, you can get your fair food fix by driving onto the fairgrounds. Some vendors such as Earthquake Burgers, Fisher Scones, Murph's BBQ and others will be available to-go.

The lines might be long but fair food lovers say it's worth the wait. Wood said she showed up for the first day on Friday and had to return on Saturday.

“We spent 6 hours and they were sold out of a lot of the stuff so we came back,” explained Wood.

Right now, the Washington State Fair is still on for September. Fair organizers say they wanted to do something special since the pandemic has upended everyone's sense of normalcy.

“We’re super excited. It’s a different year for everybody so we had to find ways to get creative and welcome people back here,” said Stacy Van Horne from the Washington State Fair.

But, as folks fill their bellies, it's clear that's what happening here is more than just about the food.

“It brings back my childhood memories. My parents brought me here when I was younger. Now I’m bringing my parents here and myself,” Heyman said.

It's nostalgia and comfort - deep fried on a stick - that's much needed in these uncertain times.

To-go food will be available again July 10-12 and July 17-19. The times are Fridays from 4 -7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Credit or debit cards are preferred.

Fair organizers will also collect food for the Puyallup Food Bank Friday, July 10.

To see food vendors on a map, download the fair’s mobile app and search for food to go or download the pdf map to see the driving route through the fair.

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