The sights, sounds and smells of the fair

Nothing says "county fair" like a demolition derby.

And this year, that's true for the first time at the King County Fair, which will hold the first demolition derby of its 144-year history on Sunday.

Fair preview


King County Fair, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. today and Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, demolition derby 6 p.m. Sunday, King Country Fairgrounds, 45224 284th Ave. S.E., Enumclaw; general admission $6-$8; $10-$15 for Sunday's demolition derby (includes fair admission); parking $5 (206-296-8888 or www.metrokc.gov/parks/fair).

It starts with a roll-over contest, in which, as the name suggests, drivers try to flip and land their rides in the rodeo arena. "Smaller cars roll better," said fairgrounds manager Sharon Roberts. "The trunks have to be chained closed."

There will be plenty of other traditional fair fun as well, including concerts on three stages. Buckley native Blaine Larsen performs tonight at 8.

And don't forget those farm animals. Llamas, alpacas, rabbits, sheep, goats, cows, horses, cavies (guinea pigs) and baby pigs — a perennial crowd favorite — will all be on display.

Saturday's family day will include Seattle Seahawk Matt Hasselbeck making Seahawks hats and playing bingo from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Also slated: a logging show Saturday and Sunday with a log burl rolling contest (two loggers facing off) and speed climbing (a scramble up a tall pole); plus carnival rides and food booths.

Judy Chia Hui Hsu: 206-464-3315 or jhsu@seattletimes.com