Skagit County Fair preview: staff outline events, 4‑H participation, vendor and capital projects ahead of Aug. 7 start

Skagit County fairgrounds staff told the Board of County Commissioners that the county fair is set to begin Aug. 7 and will feature expanded youth participation, local entertainment and new attractions, while year‑round programming and recent capital upgrades support the site’s growing use.

Fairgrounds manager Eric Gaither and assistant manager Frances Ngranzu briefed the board July 22 on operations, fair programming and capital work; they emphasized strong community support and the scale of the fair’s volunteer and nonprofit partnerships.

"We're just 16 days away," assistant manager Frances Ngranzu said, announcing final edits to the fair guide and previewing the schedule. Her presentation listed community days on Thursday, Aug. 7 (family day and a diaper-drive ‘‘Stuff the Bus’’ partnership), and the Skagit County Junior Livestock sale on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 10 a.m.

Attendance, exhibitors and youth involvement Staff said the fair drew between 28,000 and 30,000 attendees in 2024 and reported growth in exhibitors and livestock entries: 580 exhibitors in 2024 (a year-over-year increase) and nearly 600 livestock entries. Organizers said the 4‑H and FFA youth programs are a major presence, with roughly 500 youth members in 4‑H and about 600 livestock entries expected this year. A volunteer-driven auxiliary parking program also raises funds for local nonprofit partners.

Events and attractions The fair program includes three performance stages with more than 100 performances, a Latin horse show, a family mini‑golf area sponsored by a local business, a butterfly encounter, a puzzle/STEM exhibit, magicians, hypnotists and daily pie‑eating contests. Organizers said local and regional vendors form the bulk of the vendor list: about 100 shopping vendors and 22 food vendors, with roughly 95% from Whatcom, Skagit and Snohomish counties.

Capital projects and year‑round operations Gaither told commissioners the fairgrounds operate year‑round and host roughly 45 community and public events annually, including races, Highland Games and an increase in one‑day community uses. Staff described a restroom and sewer line capital project that received a Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) capital grant and additional support; the presentation cited a WSDA grant of $250,000 and a $43,000 contribution from Ag West toward restroom and sewer improvements. Gaither also said the site recently received LED lighting upgrades through a utility program at no upfront cost.

Youth and community speakers Nicole Jones, the new Skagit County 4‑H program coordinator, said she started in the role about a month before the meeting and reported nearly 600 livestock entries and strong club activity in preparation for fair. Several 4‑H leaders and youth spoke about the program’s impact. Ray and April Lightner described their club’s year‑round work and how the fairgrounds provide a place for practice and mentorship. Rae (Ray) Lightner, a 4‑H member, said 4‑H expanded her leadership, public speaking and teamwork skills and credited the fairgrounds with enabling opportunities such as Horsebowl and Know Your Government competitions.

Community support and fundraising Organizers highlighted partnerships that channel fair proceeds to nonprofits: food and parking operations support groups including Mount Vernon High School boosters, Mount Vernon Kiwanis and local recovery organizations. Staff also described programs that expand access: a charitable tickets program for families, a Blue Ribbon family experience for nominated families, and a Read‑to‑Win literacy initiative in partnership with local libraries.

Commissioners thanked fair staff and volunteers and said they look forward to the event. No county action or new funding appropriation was taken during the July 22 briefing.