Puyallup Fair offers Express Bus to save parking hassles

Would you prefer to eliminate parking hassles when you go to the Fair? Would you like to take a little cat nap as you travel to the Puyallup Fair? Then we've got just what you want - The Fair Express Bus, operated by First Student Charter.

The Puyallup Fairoffers DAILY service from three locations, including South Hill Mall (near Macy's/Sears), Lakewood Towne Center (behind Barnes & Nobles/Target), and Tacoma Mall (north of Macy's).

Plus, FRIDAYS-SUNDAYS pick up the bus at 4th St. NW and River Road in Puyallup, adjacent to Kmart.

Busses run Sundays - Thursdays from 9:15 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. They run from 9:15 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Riders are dropped off and picked up at the Fair's Green Gate.

The cost is $4 round trip, or $3 one way, cash only. Children under the age of two are free when they sit on a rider's lap. Tickets must be purchased priot to boarding at any location.

There's nothing like a warm scone dripping with jam

Ah, as the Fair gets closer, the thought of warm scones dripping with honey butter and raspberry jam can fill your mind. Almost to the point of distraction!

If you haven't heard, this is the 100th anniversary, which is quite a feat for any company. But when they make sure a delicious product, it is no wonder that Fisher Scones have stayed around this long.

In case you haven't heard, today is when they start their contest. They know that their 100 millionth scone will be purchased sometime during the Puyallup Fair. But... when? It should be sometime between Sept. 9 at 10 am and Sept. 25 at 10 pm. It's up to you to guess the day and time. The closest guess will be deliciously yum - $1,000 and scone mix for a year. Now we're talking!

So, go to the Facebook page for Fisher Scones and make your guess. You could be living the good life, surrounded by scones for the next year if you guess right!

Collecting, handcrafting and so much more in Hobby Hall

It is amazing to discover how many people like to collect specific items. For some, it is Princess Di items, for others, anything that has a Coca-Cola logo on it. If you've been to the Puyallup Fair, chances are that you have wandered through Hobby Hall and discovered the interesting collections on display.

This year will be no exception, either. While the deadline has come and gone, the staff in Hobby Hall is wading through the applications, determining how much space is needed for each.

But the Hobby Hall is more than just unique collections. It featues handcraft entries, ranging from calligraphy to doll houses, stained glass to egg art. The great thing is that you can still register your handcraft items online if you'd like to participate. You can enter until Wednesday, August 24th at 10 p.m. Just check out the guidelines at thefair.com. Click on exhibit entries, then Hobby Hall.

Each year Hobby Hall features new crafts and collections to discover. They also provide railroad enthusiasts with they annual fix to see miniature train sets. Make sure that you drop by and get lost in these fascinating displays. You'll find out how others enjoy spending their spare time, too.

Cruise in to the Goodguys PNW Nationals Car Show this Weekend

If you haven't been to the Goodguys Pacific Northwest Nationals before, you've really missed out! But you are in luck, as the 24th annual event starts this weekend.

More than 2,500 classic cars, hot rods and customer cars will be coming to the Puyallup Fair & Events Center this Friday through Sunday, July 22-24th. They will have more than 200 manufacturer and commercial exhibits, an auto swap meet and cars for sale corral, Friday night drag races at Pacific Raceway's in Kent, a model car show, clowns and magicians for kids, and lots more.

They seem to schedule the event over a nice weekend, and this year will be no exception. It's a great place to enjoy the sun as you check out cars from days gone by, people watch, and generally have a great time. Whether you are a car lover, or just enjoy seeing classic autos, you will love the event. Over 70,000 are expected, so you'll be in good company.

Hours are 8 am - 5 pm on Friday; 8 am - 8 pm on Saturday; and 8 am - 3 pm on Sunday. General admission is $18, and children 7-12 years are $6. For more info, check out http://www.pacificnorthwestnats.com/.

America's Family Pet Expo is THE thing to do this weekend

America's Family Pet Expo this weekend, July 8-10 will be THE thing to do this weekend, whether you are coming alone, or a van load of kids. They will be featuring more than 1,000 different animals (as a reminder: leave yours at home so you can enjoy these!), from the regular family favorites to the unique. You'll learn how to care for animals, select the best animal for you, and determine the best products to use.

They are also offering 11 different entertainment attractions, too. A main attraction is "Jump! The Ultimate Dog Show." Trained dogs do stunts and acrobatics of all types. There's also the "Creepy Crawly Show" featuring snakes, spikders, scorpions and other not-so-normal family pets.

Whether you want a pony ride or a petting zoo, you'll be thoroughly entertained. Visit http://www.petexpo.org/ and save $2 on your ticket.

Country and Alternative Rock Added to Concert Lineup

While the Puyallup Fair lineup is almost complete, two new concerts went on sale this past weekend.

Country superstar Miranda Lambert is super hot right now. Her appearance at the CMA awards proved that. She's even hotter since she is now a couple with male country star, Blake Shelton.

Miranda will be appearing on Sept. 17th, the middle Saturday of the Puyallup Fair. She puts on an amazing show, with songs like "White Liar" and "Only Prettier."

Did you know that both of her parents are private investigators? She has carried on that tradition in a new way - as a private investigator of the heart!

Thursday, Sept. 22nd brings Counting Crows to the grandstand stage. They are a powerhouse group, having opened for Bob Dylan, and even substituted for Van Morrison one memorable night at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

You'll hear the group performing "Mr. Jones" and "Accidently in Love" - plus lots more.

Tickets are still available at thefair.com.

There's only one more concert to announce for this year's Puyallup Fair's 2011 Concert Series, Presented by Columbia Bank.

City Blast: Fireworks to light the sky on July 4th

We're all suckers for a great fireworks show, aren't we?

Well, this year, you don't just get fireworks, but you get a variety of family-friendly fun activities, thanks to Foursquare Church's City Blast.

They are sponsoring a 5K run, as well as a 10K run. The 5K is 3.1 miles of enjoyable terrain crisscrossing through the streets of downtown Puyallup, and ending at the Puyallup Fair & Events Center.

The 10K starts at 7:00 a.m. on July 4th, and the 5K at 7:30 a.m. Both are either run or walk (or a little of both if you are like lots of us!).

This is an all-day event. 3-on-3 basketball starts at 8 a.m., and the awards ceremony for the 5K and 10K is at 9 a.m. There's a church service at the Fair grandstand at 11 a.m.

Then, at noon festivities feature a Fun Zone for kids with bounce houses, face painting and balloon animals. The stage show includes live music, entertainment, The Massive Monkees (featured on MTV's Americas Best Dance Crew), and a celebration of our nation’s Armed Forces.

Come back at 8 pm, as the family fun zone will be open again, and there is a show on the grandstand stage, followed by fireworks, which are accompanied by music.

Contact http://www.cityblast2009.com/. The website is great, with all the info you'll probably need.

Have a great Fourth of July!