Scones had better not have a calorie count. . .

We've been getting totals back from various departments, providing insight to the amount of food guests consumed, how much toilet paper was used, how many rode Pierce Transit's "Fair Express" and other nifty little facts from the 2009 Puyallup Fair.

Let me tell you this: You don't want to know the calorie count on scones. Especially when a grand total of (drumroll, please...) 1,205,270 were purchased. Now that is a lot of scones - more than one for every person that attended. It is also a lot of calories. Thank heavens they vanish when the scones are put in the bags!

So you were wondering about toilet paper, weren't you? A total of 6,986,000 feet of TP was flushed. On the "save the environment" front (and parking hassles), 96,629 rode on Pierce Transit's busses from various park and ride locations. Kudos to all who took the bus!

Oktoberfest Brought Puyallup to Germany

Oktoberfest was a smashing success. In total, 281 kegs of grog was consumed, authentic singing and dancing was a highlight, and tempting German food filled empty stomachs. A huge hit was the wiener dog race, or should we say races! Every size, color and personality of wiener dog showed up to compete, and some complete with costumes. With an event like that, we can't wait for next year's Oktoberfest!

Habitat for Humanity House Nears Completion

The Puyallup Fair partnered with Tacoma/Pierce County Habitat for Humanity again this year to build a house during the run of the Fair. The house has been built fast - completed in the 17-day Fair. Media partners included: STAR 101.5 FM, KOMO 4, KOMO News Radio, and KUNS Univision Television.

Trivia about last year's Habitat house included:

14,000 Nails
1,700+ Hours
300+ Volunteers
15 Days to build

Cookies to Pies, and Spam to Salsa

The Home Arts Department features some of the most amazing recipe contests around. Some are local, and some have national sponsors, so the blue ribbon winner's recipe will move on to the national competition. If they win, they could walk away with big prizes.

The judges in the Puyallup Fair Apple Pie Contest ended up selecting Peggy Morris of Edgewood's "Apple-Maple Crunch Pie," and the recipe looks delicious. Karen Karsten of Buckley concocted "S'More Pops," You will be guaranteed to want s'more when you see the combination of Ghirardelli chocolate covering marshmallows.

Talk about a blue ribbon winner! Tamera Battle of Tacoma created "Raz-Black-Blue Pie" in the "Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crusts Pie Baking Championship." It's a mouthful to name that contest, but if that mouthful includes a bite of that berry pie with flakey crust, that's totally fine!

The top three places in the Salsa Showdown went to male cooks. Steve Marshell of Olympia blended flavors to create "Watermelon Cucumber Salsa with Mint."

You've got to drop by the Home Arts Department on the second floor of the Pavilion to see the amazing recipes, and get ideas for your next creative culinary adventure.

The Deadliest Catch Catches Huge Crowds

Johnathan Hillstrand, the gutsy captain on Discovery Channel’s popular series, Deadliest Catch, is making an appearance at the Puyallup Fair, along with his fishing partner and son, Scott. They were here Friday and Saturday, and are back today (Sunday, 9/20) until 9 p.m.

Meet and greets are available, complete with a chance to snap a photo of them and get their photograph. Time Bandit merchandise is also available for sale, and to be autographed. They are located at the intesection of Showplace Way and Grand Avenue.

Last night they participated in a fundraising event for the Puyallup Fair Foundation. The “Deadliest Dinner” had a packed house, with attendees winning raffle items, including autographed merchandise. The Deadliest Catch fans had a great time!

Special Delivery: Piglets come cheaper by the dozen

Angel, a sow at the Puyallup Fair's Pig Palace was busy tonight. In total, she delivered 12 live and squirming bundles of joy. Erica Luxem of Edgewood was tending to Angel as she gave birth to her litter – a first-time experience for Erica, who handled it like a pro. Now you have another "must see" when you "do the Puyallup," now through Sept. 27, 2009!

Starry Country Nights

While Julianne Hough danced her way into the hearts of many people in the Pacific Northwest, she is realizing her dream by singing her way into their hearts as well. Prior to tonight's concerts, she briefly met with radio station winners, as well as Puyallup Fair CEO Kent Hojem and his wife Carolyn (shown). She is excited to perform at the Puyallup Fair, and will open the evening of grandstand music. Following Julianne, Rodney Atkins will take the stage, singing #1 hit songs like "If You're Going Through Hell (Before the Devil even Knows)," and "Watching You." Talk about a great night of country music!