About Us

The Washington State Fair (WSF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the largest single attraction held annually in the state of Washington. Founded in 1900, the Fair continually ranks as one of the largest fairs in the world, and is the single largest attended event in the state.

While most entertainment venues are tax‐supported, the Fair is a self‐sustaining, tax‐paying entity that reinvests its gains in property maintenance and programming. The Fair long‐ago embraced its role as an educational entity and today continues a rich tradition of working with area schools (including providing complimentary tickets to thousands of local students), enhancing classroom learning, and providing agricultural education. It is from this legacy, and the realization that the annual operating budget can’t keep pace with the many dreams we have for updates and expansion of Fair properties and programs, that the Washington State Fair Foundation, also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 2007.

The mission of Washington State Fair is to provide Washington’s home to gather and celebrate for generations to come. It strives to be the nation’s best state fair experience, showcasing and celebrating the richness of Washington state. The mission of the Washington State Fair Foundation is to financially support the scholarship and educational programs of the Washington State Fair and to help preserve and improve the Fair for future generations.