Grays Harbor Tourism

FIVE ATTRACTIONS/EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED AT THE 2016 GHC FAIR

Fair runs from Aug.10-14 in Elma, Washington

ELMA, WA – July 20, 2016 – If you love the Grays Harbor County Fair, you know all about the entertainment, exhibits, food, rides and fun – and this year’s Fair, Aug. 10-14 in Elma, is ready to deliver it all once again.

But the Fair also offers lots of hidden treasures throughout the fairgrounds. Here are five not-to-be-missed attractions and events at this year’s Grays Harbor County Fair:

Predators of the Heart: It’s Washington’s largest traveling wildlife and reptile show, providing wildlife education for all ages. Each entertaining show stars the animals themselves, leading to appreciation, affection, compassion and respect for all living creatures. Appearing daily Aug. 10-14 on the Custom Security Stage and sponsored by Sierra Pacific and Great Northwest Federal Credit Union.

Roberto the Magnificent: Captivating audiences for more than two decades, Roberto the Magnificent is recognized as one of the nation’s most unique variety acts performing throughout the country. Robert learned to juggle and unicycle at age 11, and within four years he was awarded a silver medal at the World Juggling Championships. Appearing daily Aug. 10-14 strolling the fairgrounds and on the Jodesha Kids’ Zone Stage.

Eric Haines “One Man Band”: Haines is a born entertainer, with amazing abilities as a one man band, singer, guitarist, banjo player, unicyclist, juggler and stilt walker. He’ll be roaming the fairgrounds throughout the Fair. Appearing daily Aug. 10-14.

Talent Show: Area singers, dancers, comedians and others will compete in the 36^th Annual Fair Talent Show on Aug. 12 at 6 p.m. on the Custom Security Stage. Cash prizes will be awarded for top talent in each age division – and it’s always a Fair favorite.

Car racing: The Grays Harbor Raceway will roar with car racing on Aug. 13 at 5 p.m. – a Grays Harbor County Fair tradition – and like all the fair entertainment, the car races are free with paid admission to the Fair, and are sponsored by Grays Harbor Raceway.

“Our Fair theme this year is ‘Through the Years’ as we honor the tradition of the Grays Harbor County Fair,” said Mike Bruner, Grays Harbor Fairgrounds and Tourism Manager. “There’s so much to see and do at the Fair. We encourage visitors from throughout Western Washington to come and enjoy some old-fashioned country fair fun.”

Fair admission tickets are priced at $10 for adults, $6 for seniors and $6 for students 6-15 (kids 5 and under are free). The Fair will also honor current and former military service members with a $2 military discount throughout all five days of the Fair. Other Fair discount admissions include Kids’ Day promotions on Thursday Aug. 6 featuring $1 off Kids Admission and discounted carnival rides, and Sunday features free admission from 10 -11 a.m. only. Unlimited Davis Carnival ride wristbands are available at the pre-sale price of $22 at the Grays Harbor County Fair office and all Grays Harbor County Anchor Banks through Aug. 9. Once the Fair starts, the ride wristbands are priced at $26 and are purchased at the carnival lot.

Fair hours are 10 am – 10 pm, Aug. 10 – 12; 10 am – 11 pm, Aug. 13; and 10 am – 6 pm, Aug. 14.

For more information on the Grays Harbor County Fair call 360-482-2651 or visit the fair website at ghcfairgrounds.com.

Headlining Entertainment Brings Awesome Sounds to the Grays Harbor County Fair

Charlie Daniels, known for his contributions to country, bluegrass and Southern rock music performed at the Grays Harbor County Fair in 2012. Photo courtesy: Grays Harbor County Fair.

Summer in Grays Harbor County brings thoughts of family fun, games and rides, the aroma of outdoor cooking, and visions of a variety of farm animals. It is fair time. The Grays Harbor County Fair is a summer tradition. Located in Elma, fair goers travel from Grays Harbor and beyond to celebrate on August 10 – 14. The Grays Harbor County Fair strives to showcase the best of the county’s agriculture, art and industry. Yet this small county fair is perhaps best known for headliner quality music acts attracting attendees throughout the state.

“It is very important for us to bring in top quality entertainment and to offer something special to the people of Grays Harbor at an affordable price,” says Grays Harbor County Fair Manager, Mike Bruner. “We are unique in that we offer the traditional fair attractions with rides, games and fair food, but we are one of a kind in that we are a small fair that offers big-time entertainment.”

“Not many fairs our size offer the headliner quality music acts that we have been able to bring in for many years and have become known for.” Bruner adds, “In addition to our amazing musicians, we also offer smaller stage entertainment with a variety of comedians and acts. There is a little bit for everyone at our fair.”

Headlining concerts this year feature Brothers Osborne and Tanya Tucker. Grammy Award nominees the Brothers Osborne are best known for their hit singles “Stay a Little Longer” and “Rum.” The country-rock siblings started their musical journey during household jam sessions and now claim to be carving their own path in country music with an old school rock approach that features a singer and guitar playing duo. Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2016/07/11/grays-harbor-county-fair-2/

Our Aberdeen’s Murals on the Map Instill Pride in the Community

Hoquiam artist Jenny Fisher recently completed her mural ‘Immigrants’ celebrating the immigrant history of Grays Harbor.

Aberdeen is witnessing art growing on formerly ugly, bare walls. Murals are being created along the downtown corridor. A spectacular piece titled ‘Immigrants’ has just been completed by Hoquiam artist Jenny Fisher. Its bright colors are glowing in the July sunshine transforming the formerly naked western wall of the Union Gospel Mission.

The history of murals in Grays Harbor began in 1988 when the county received funds for 40 murals in honor of the State of Washington’s Centennial Celebration. The ‘History of Transportation’ mural at the downtown bus station is one of the five surviving Aberdeen paintings. Sadly our damp coastal climate destroyed five of the ten original centennial murals.

In 2012, the deteriorating ‘History of Transportation’ was restored by artist Jenny Fisher 25 years after she had created it. Another centennial piece, ‘Aberdeen, Washington, 1889-2014’, on the wall of the south side Swanson’s grocery store was restored by Gavin Miller in 2012-13. The original artist, Bob McCausland, had passed away.

The restoration of historical murals is happening thanks to the hard work and initiative of the people of Our Aberdeen, a nonprofit organization founded in 2009. Sylvia Dickerson chairs Murals on the Map, one of the committees of Our Aberdeen’s Art Promotion Group directed by local artist and board member Mery Swanson.

Sylvia believes public art is very important. “We want to enable people to do projects that create community pride and entice people passing through to stop and see what Aberdeen has to offer. We have a thriving art community to build on.” The particular goal of Murals on the Map is to “restore, document and create new murals throughout the downtown corridor.” They have accomplished much. Read more here: http://www.graysharbortalk.com/2016/07/16/our-aberdeen-murals/