The Washington State Spring Fair is going on now — with a twist. Instead of families milling around vendors, activities and farm animals, the fair has gone drive-thru as a precaution to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Lines of cars are snaking through the Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallup. As each one passes the entry gate, it's greeted by Daffodil Festival princesses.
Inside the fairgrounds, clowns on unicycles wobble around and the scent of kettle corn and hamburgers floats in the air. While most people stay in their cars, pulling up to food stands or taking pictures of animals, those who reserved in advance line up for the roller coaster and other rides plus carnival games in limited groups.
Only about 50 vendors are allowed this year, compared to the usual hundreds, but some things about the fair haven’t changed. Hot Fisher Fair Scones slathered with jam are still available. Alligators, llamas and parrots are on display and those with tickets have the chance to win prizes in bingo or even watch pigs race.
The fair runs through Sunday -- and officials say the new Phase 2 restrictions in Pierce County will not limit crowd sizes because everything is outdoors.
