"America Remembers" Tribute and Fireworks

Today marks the tenth anniversary of a day Americans will never forget.

The Puyallup Fair is taking time to remember those who sacrificed their lives to protect our country, and those lives that were lost on September 11, 2001.

The “America Remembers” tribute will be held from 6-8 p.m. on the Coca-Cola Stage, and is free with Fair gate admission. The Puyallup Seventh-Day Adventist Church has held this tribute at the Fair for several years, and will feature select members of the military and emergency responders again this year. This tribute will feature keynote speaker, Major General James M. Collins Jr., an experienced executive and opinion leader in the Army, business, and volunteer communities of the state and the nation.

As a remembrance of that tragic day, a fireworks spectacular will take place tonight after sundown at approximately 8:15 p.m.

The fireworks can be seen from most every vantage point at the Fair.

Giant Pumpkin Carving Results

The giant pumpkin weigh-off was held last night and the results were HUGE! Stan Pugh of Puyallup won first place, with his pumpkin weighing an enormous 927 lbs. The second place pumpkin weighed in at 892.5 lbs by Joel Holland of Sumner. Robin Halbert of Enumclaw had his pumpkin weighing in at 850.5 lbs placing him third.

The Jr. Giant Pumpkins division (children 18 and younger) also weighed in and had impressive weights. Emily and Annie Ulhmeyer of Olympia had a pumpkin weighing 456 lbs taking first place in the division. The second place pumpkin of Breana Barker weighed 430.5 lbs.

The first place winner of each division won $1 for every pound that the pumpkin weighed. The runners up in each division did not leave empty handed. In the adult division second place receives $500 and the third place receives $400. In the Jr. division second place wins $300 and third place wins $200.

Stop by the Pavilion and see giant pumpkin carvers at work! They will be carving away, weekend from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. under the Pavilion overhang.

Puyallup Pro Rodeo followed by Joe Nichols

Come on down to the Puyallup Fair and check out the Justin Boots Puyallup Pro Rodeo. You can watch the best cowboys and cowgirls compete in bull riding, bareback riding, tie-down roping, team roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, and barrel racing. If you miss it today come by tomorrow (Sept.10) or Sunday (Sept. 11) to check out the action.

After the rodeo will be a performance by country music superstar Joe Nichols. Grammy-nominated performer, Joe Nichols brings the traditional side of country music to life with his rich baritone sound. Don’t miss Joe Nichols tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the Grandstand as part of the 2011 Puyallup Fair’s Concert Series.

2011 Puyallup Fair Rodeo Parade and Cattle Drive

Kicking off the 2011 Puyallup Fair is the annual Puyallup Fair Western Rodeo Parade and Cattle Drive. Join us at Pioneer Park downtown for pre-parade music at 9 a.m. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 9 along Meridian Street.

Cowboys herding 60 steers start off the festivities. Following the cattle is this year’s grand marshal, Brittney Henry, Miss Washington, and a Puyallup-area resident. A variety of equestrian drill teams, draft horse hitches, marching bands, great musical entertainment, royalty, and cowboys on horseback follow. The parade will also feature costume characters and Puyallup Fair free entertainment.

After the parade the excitement is carried right into the Fair gates with FREE admission until noon by bringing a canned food item for the Puyallup Food Bank.

The BIG Puyallup Pro Rodeo Weekend!

Puyallup Pro Rodeo Justin Boots Playoffs, Presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts: Sept. 9-11. Join the Puyallup Fair in welcoming the top cowboys and cowgirls in the country when they compete in the Justin Boots Playoffs Rodeo Tour, September 9-11. Each of the 24 competitors in each event will be vying for a part of the $540,000+ purse, the largest in the Pacific Northwest. The Pro Rodeo will be held at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; with finals on Sunday at 1 p.m. Music superstar Joe Nichols will perform after the 6:30 p.m. rodeo on Friday night.

Put on your boots, chaps, and cowboy hats for the 6:30 p.m. rodeo on Saturday followed by Ricochet in concert and Dancin’ in the Dirt. This event is a separate ticket event ($20) and will be held in the Grandstand infield (21 years or older only). Dance the night away to Ricochet, sample some appetizers and beverages, and learn some roping tricks from cowboys.


Since the Sunday 1 p.m. Puyallup Finals are on September 11th, members of the military and emergency responders will be recognized at the rodeo in recognition of the 10th anniversary of this day in history. The Sunday rodeo includes two rodeos in one, with a traditional rodeo at first, followed by the finals, which features the top athletes from the past four performances. Each is vying to move on to the next round in Omaha, just one step from the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas this December.

The Puyallup Rodeo is something you should not miss. Being one of the top five rodeos in the country, this year’s Playoffs are sure to impress!

Monday Madness offers HUGE savings: Take a ride on the Extreme Scream or the NEW Vertigo!

Are you looking to save on rides? Enjoy the madness in savings on Monday, September 12 ONLY. Get 50% off rides, games, and select food items. Ride any Funtastic Midway or SillyVille ride for 50% off (no exclusions), plus play any Funtastic game for 50% off each game. You’ll also find some of your favorite food items for half price, too.

This offer includes the Extreme Scream and the NEW ride, Vertigo. The Extreme Scream is known to be the tallest structure in Puyallup. This tower stands 20 stories high as it shoots riders towards the sky and then drops them to the ground, reaching intense speeds. The Extreme Scream is the ultimate in daredevil excitement!

Vertigo is the brand NEW ride at the Fair this year, offering guests a dizzy-licous experience. Amusement ride fanatics will love the 100-foot tower ride that spins at a near heart-stopping 30 miles per hour. Vertigo spins 24 riders around a tower that can reach heights as high as 10 stories. Vertigo will give any thrill seeker a ride they won’t forget!

Tons of Free Stuff to Do at the Fair

There are tons of free things to see and do at no cost to you! Free events, entertainment, and admission deals are happening throughout the Fair this year.

Visit our Free Entertainment page and download the list of over 101 free things to do. You will find free events that are date specific and happening daily such as the Big Aerial Show or MBS Mountainboard Big Air Show, both new to the Fair this year.

Take advantage quick because some of these deals won’t last for long!