Six things you need to know before heading to the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden
The Northwest Washington Fair starts next week on Thursday, Aug. 10, and as you and your family get excited for the event of the summer, here are a few things you should know before heading to Lynden.
When the fair is open
The fair gates and carnival will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 10-19. The fair office and box office will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during fair days.
How to get tickets
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the fair office at 1775 Front St. in Lynden.
General admission tickets cost $15. For youth ages six to 12, tickets are $10 and children five and under are free. Senior admission for those ages 62 and above is $13. Season passes are also available for all 10 days of the fair for $45.
The fair will also have special free and reduced admission price days:
▪ On Friday, Aug. 11, the fair is celebrating Food Drive Friday by offering free gate admission with the donation of four food items between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at entrance gates 1 and 5.
▪ On Sunday, Aug. 13, admission is free for everyone between 9-11 a.m. at gates 1 and 5.
▪ On Monday, Aug. 14, admission is free for first responders, all law enforcement officers, EMTS and firefighters along with their spouses and children with a valid ID at gates 1 and 5.
▪ On Tuesday, Aug. 15, admission is free for all active duty, retired and veteran military personnel, along with spouses and children with a valid ID at gates 1 and 5.
▪ On Wednesday, Aug. 16 all kids ages 12 and under will receive free admission at gates 1 and 5.
▪ On Thursday, Aug. 17 Western Washington University students, faculty, staff and alumni will receive $2 off gate admission with a valid ID at gates 1 and 5.
How much the carnival costs
Carnival rides vary in cost. If you want to avoid buying carnival tickets at the fair, guests can purchase an all-day unlimited carnival wristband for $39. The wristbands can be purchased online or at a carnival ticket booth.
Food available at the fair
There will be over 30 food vendors across the fairgrounds, including Edaleen Dairy, Dane Good Coffee Co., Lynden Dutch Bakery Poffertjes, Kona Shaved Ice and Big Island Poke.
Fair guests can snack on authentic fair foods like kettle corn, cotton candy, lemonade, pizza, mini donuts, ice cream and more.
There will also be a beer garden for guests 21 and older that is open from noon to 10 p.m. next to the Grandstand ticket booth.
Where to park
Fair guests can park at Fisher School for free and receive complimentary shuttles to and from the fair between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Fisher School is located at 501 14th St.
Parking is also free in downtown Lynden and in nearby neighborhoods.
The Whatcom Transportation Authority will also be offering bus free rides to the fair Aug. 10-19. The full Whatcom Transportation bus route can be found online.
Rules at the fairgrounds
These items are prohibited at the fairgrounds:
▪ Alcoholic beverages outside of designated alcohol service areas.
▪ Any article defined as a weapon except for those used by law enforcement.
▪ Animals except trained guide dogs or service animals with a person with a disability.
▪ Marijuana.
▪ Tobacco products are prohibited to be used except in designated smoking areas.
▪ Drones or other mechanical flying devices.
These actions are prohibited at the fair and may result in being removed from the fairgrounds:
▪ Disorderly or disruptive conduct of any type.
▪ Skateboarding, rollerblading, moped riding, bicycle riding, Segway riding or skating of any kind.
▪ Threatening, belligerent or hostile behavior of any type.
▪ Standing or walking in large groups that block the movement of fair attendees.
▪ Blocking any building, booth, exhibit, concession stand, performance, ticket window, gate, stage, doorway, walkway, fire exit, or stairway.
▪ Use of loud or obscene language or gestures or other offensive behavior or dress.
▪ Sitting on or placing feet on tabletops.
▪ Selling items, distributing items or food, or soliciting at the fair.
This story was originally published August 3, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
