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!

The Puyallup Home & RV Show runs through Sunday

If you haven't been to the Puyallup Home & RV show, you are missing out. You get a great perspective of what options you have for a permanent home, or a home on wheels.

The info is:

April 29 - May 2

Location: Americraft ShowPlex, Enter through Blue Gate

Hours: Thu-Fri: 11 am - 8 pm; Sat: 10 am - 8 pm; Sun: 10 am - 5 pm

Admission: Adults: $10; Seniors (62+): $9; Students: $7; Kids (12 & under): FREE

Website: http://www.mhrvshows.com/

Email: showdirectors@mhrvshows.com

A year of records at the Spring Fair in Puyallup 2010

It was a year of records to be broken at the Spring Fair in Puyallup!

Those records include:

* First and foremost, we saw more guests attend than any other Spring Fair in our 21 year history! A total of 126,993 guests enjoyed the 3-1/2 day event.

* We saw the largest number of people on a Friday than any other Friday in Spring Fair history - 30,904.

* A total of 5,077 members of the military community enjoyed free gate admission on Friday's Military Appreciation Day, thanks to our media partner, FREEDOM 570 KVI.

* Our Sunday saw bigger crowds than any other Sunday before this one at Spring Fair, a total of 43,861 guests.

Thanks to all who attended, and all who participated. It was a great Spring Fair in Puyallup!