Even though the total attendance for the 2009 Central Washington State Fair was down about two percent from last year, fair officials were still very happy with this year’s attendance, given the many obstacles that occurred.
On opening Saturday, Sept. 26, attendance was down a little over 5,000 compared to last year due to affects from the fire at the old mill site just down the road from the fair.  Power was out for 40 minutes and roads leading to the fair were closed for several hours on Saturday evening.  Then rain, wind and cooler-than-normal temperatures hit the final weekend, which affected attendance some as well.  The total attendance for this year’s fair was 298,941, which was off from the 304,962 in 2008, but up from 2007 when 294,411 attended the Fair.
“We definitely faced some challenges this year,” said fair president and general manager Greg Stewart. “But overall we had a great fair. From the response we’ve received from our visitors we think this year’s fair was exceptional.”
Among a variety of food, entertainment and exhibits, one of the new big attractions that helped draw crowds this year was Candy Nation.  The exhibit took up the entire Pioneer Hall building and drew thousands and thousands of visitors over the 10 days to look, smell, taste and buy all different kinds of candies.
The Jungle Experience, featuring a variety of tigers, cougars and other exotic animals was another big draw, as was the entertainment at the Budweiser Stage and the Coca-Cola Grandstand. 
On opening weekend of the fair, large crowds showed up to see country star Phil Vassar and singer Juice Newton. 
Fair officials beefed up its mid-week entertainment this year and featured Billy Ray Cyrus, Boyz II Men and REO Speedwagon. On the final weekend, Little River Band performed along with Mexican novella stars Laura Flores and Sergio Goyri.  A big crowd also took in two days of the Pro West Finals rodeo at the Grandstand on the final Friday and Saturday nights of the fair.
Other entertainment at 2009 Fair included country singer Jamie Lee Thurston, two nights of sprint car races, a Mexican music festival and a demolition derby.
According to Stewart, dates for next year’s  annual fair will be Sept. 24 through Oct. 3, 2010.
“Fair management and staff are already making plans for next year’s Fair,” Stewart said.