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Clark County Fairgrounds – Vancouver, Washington

Travel Writer — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:04:27 +0000

Check Out the Events at the Clark County Fairgrounds. The Clark County Fairgrounds are used throughout the year, not only for those few days each year when the fair comes to town. No matter when you come to town, you are likely to find something interesting going on at the fairgrounds.

Located on 170 acres, the fairground complex has a number of facilities that host events through the year: the Exhibition Hall, the Dr. Jack Giesy Arena, South Halls, the Grandstand, and the Livestock Buildings.

The new Exhibition Hall has more than 97,000 square feet of exhibit space, which is perfect for just about any type of event. You will also find restrooms, complete with baby changing stations here. The Hall also features wireless Internet.

The Dr. Jack Giesy Arena has a huge riding area, 194 horse stalls, and plenty of spectator seating. It is the premier arena for just about any type of livestock show out there. The Arena is also used for motocross, and even plant sales during certain events.

The South Halls offer more exhibit space for those events that require it. The Grandstands are where the major outdoor events are held. You will commonly find concerts, circuses, monster truck events, and rodeos held there. It is a huge area with plenty of seating for all who come.

The Livestock Buildings, which include five show rings, are perfect for any kid of even that has a large number of animals, whether it is a 4H show or some other agricultural event or competition.

From concerts, equestrian shows, dog shows and more, the fairgrounds play host to a great many different types of events. The following is just a small sampling of the different kinds of upcoming events that you can expect to see when you come out to the fairgrounds: the Oregon Mounted Shooting Association, the Bride’s Expo, Collector’s West Gun and Knife Show, the Silver Buckle Horse Show, Holiday Food and Gift Festival, and the Greater Clark County Kennel Club Dog Show.

Of course, the most anticipated event at the fairgrounds each year is very likely the fair itself. The fair, which currently draws more than a quarter million visitors each year, has been a staple of entertainment in the area for 140 years. It has all the fun rides, attractions, and fair food that you remember from a child. If you happen to be fortunate enough to be in the area when the fair is going on, you should certainly attend.

As you can see, there is something for just about everyone. Whether you’re a spectator or a competitor, you can find local hotel accommodations online at HotelsCombined.com.

1300 Franklin Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
360-397-2323

Clark County Fairgrounds – Vancouver, Washington is a post from: Washington Tourism

Puyallup Washington

Travel Writer — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 15:12:03 +0000

For those who enjoy county fairs and similar outings, Puyallup in Washington State, may be your perfect vacation destination. Located approximately five miles east of Tacoma, Puyallup is noted for its acres of daffodils which are commercially grown and distributed world-wide.

Puyallup’s charm is notably enhanced by the zealously maintained historic buildings in the downtown shopping district which date back to the town’s origins, and include the well preserved landmark mansion of Ezra Meeker, one of Puyallup’s original founders. Meeker left his mid-west origins in the mid 1850’s with his wife and young son and in his pioneering covered wagon headed west to Puget Sound country, finally settling in Puyallup in 1862, where he developed a successful agriculturally based business. Maintained by the Ezra Meeker Historical Society, the Mansion is open to visitors Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm to 4pm. Admission: Adults, $4.00 – Seniors and Students, $3.00 – Children, $2.00. half-price admission to all on Thursdays.

The downtown district is additionally a haven for antique lovers, who can browse among dozens of shops, many located side-by-side, in the antique district along Meridian Street. May through October are the months in which visitors and locals alike can wander among the many stalls of the Puyallup Farmer’s Market, where home-grown produce, crafts and baked goods are offered for sale.

As for fairs, the annually held Puyallup State Fair, the largest held in the State of Washington and one of the largest nationwide, is held for three weeks in September, and a smaller spring fair is held on one weekend each April and is part of the celebratory events that include the famed Daffodil Parade. Celebrating its 74^th year in 2007, the celebration is held in four parts to include neighboring Tacoma, Sumner and Orting. The parade wends its way through all four cities in one day. The 2007 parade’s theme was “Daffodils and all that jazz.”

Among the countless see and do activities featured at the Puyallup State Fair in September are:

The famous Budweiser Clydesdales. At least six feet tall and capable of pulling more than 2,000 pounds at five miles per hour, these are indeed unique and impressive animals.
The Mutton Bustin’ Contest: Staged similarly to rodeo bull riding contests, except far less dangerous, the “ bull” in this case being a sheep, and the contestants no older than six and weighing less than 60 pounds. The rider must stay on board his wooly steed for six seconds in order to win a trophy.
Puppet shows, rides, games, various exhibits and contests, fun foods and more contribute to a memorable and highly enjoyable experience for adults and children alike.

Puyallup Washington is a post from: Washington Tourism

Washington Wineries

Travel Writer — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 15:15:41 +0000

The wineries of Washington State are achieving unprecedented success in producing a product that has been accepted wholeheartedly by both connoisseurs and the average wine consumer. Success breeds competition, and in fact there has been a phenomenal 400 percent increase in the number of Washington State wineries in the last decade.

Attracting some two million visitors annually, wine country touring in Washington State is rapidly becoming an industry in itself. The quality of the state’s wine is undoubtedly influenced by the fact that at a latitude of 46oN it equals the exact latitude of the storied French wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy. Nine of the state’s wineries have been designated as American Viticultural Areas (three share territory with Oregon State) and a number of other Washington State wineries are under consideration. Specifically for the benefit of those planning to visit some of these wineries, the locations around Washington State are:

Yakima Valley – established 1983
Columbia Valley – established 1984
Walla Walla Valley – established 1984
Puget Sound – established 1995
Red Mountain – established 2001
Columbia Gorge – established 2004
Horse Heaven Hills – established 2005
Wahluke Slope – established 2006
Rattlesnake Hills – established 2006

Unofficial wine country regions in the state, some of which are being considered for American Viticultural Area designation, are:

Lake Chelan Valley
Spokane area
Leavenworth area
Columbia River
North Central Washington State
Ancient Lakes area ( central Washington State)

A Random Choice of Washington State Winery Tours

Three Rivers Winery

5641 West Highway 12

Walla Walla, Wa. 99362 – Telephone: 509-526-9463

Taste award winning premium wines, browse the gift shop, tour state-of-the-art cellar facilities, and enjoy “Music on the Lawn” concerts every summer.

Chateau Ste. Michelle

14111 North East 145^th Street

Woodinville, Wa. 98072 – Telephone: 425-415-3300

Producers of award winning Eroica Riesling and red table wines. Wine cellar tours and tasting. Summer concerts on the wineries idyllic grounds.

Sheridan Vineyard

2980 Gilbert Street

Zillah, Wa. 98072 - Telephone: 425-746-1860

This winery focuses on traditional Bordeaux blend wines and 100% Syrah. Complimentary wine tasting. Picnic grounds on site.

Oakwood Cellars Winery

40504 North Demoss Road

Benton City, Wa. 99320 – Telephone: 509-588-5332

Enjoy sampling Lemberger, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Lemberger Blanc, and more.

Complimentary wine tasting, gift shop and picnic facilities.

Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards and Winery

16304 North Dallas Road

Richland, Wa. 99320 – Telephone: 509-628-3880

Complimentary wine tasting of Bordeaux and Rhone variety wines from the Goose Ridge Estate vineyard. Producers of high quality, small lot wines.

A wine tasting tour of Washington State wineries can be an enjoyable experience, and a memorable way to take your vacation time. But a word of warning; if you are driving take care not to visit too many wineries on the same day. Those little cups of wine can add up quickly

Washington Wineries is a post from: Washington Tourism