Evergreen State Fair To Open 11-Day Run

MONROE - For the first time in its three-quarter-century history the Evergreen State Fair will offer patrons reserved seating for its stage shows when the annual event opens for its 11-day run tomorrow at the Monroe fairgrounds.

The reserved seating was made possible by moving the stage about 30 feet back from the grandstand.

Jim Quackenbush, fairgrounds manager, said the regular admission still will include free bleacher seating in the grandstand, but reserved seats also are being sold for $6 and $5 each.

This year's entertainment lineup includes Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash; LeRoy Van Dyke; the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Eddie Rabbit and Sha Na Na. The main stage attractions are scheduled for Sunday through Aug. 31.

More than $8 million in capital improvements authorized several years ago by the Snohomish County Council have been completed at the 230-acre complex, a mile west of Monroe.

Besides the stage move, other improvements include alterations to the Frontierland area, changes for the popular pig races and $44,000 spent on additional landscaping.

Fair highlights will include a draft-horse show, the pig races, automobile races, a barbershop quartet, bands, ``Crazy Eights'' pony exhibitions, story-singers, a lumberjack show, a rodeo and Native American and ethnic dancers, among others. Of course, there also will be the usual agricultural exhibits, animal husbandry, rural home economics and heavy participation by 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America members.

On ``Kids Day,'' Aug. 30, Andy Koffman, Seattle animal importer and owner of giant tree frogs, will attempt to set a world-record jump with one of his frogs at 3 p.m. on the outdoor stage. The world mark, according to the Guinness Book of Records, is 33 feet. Koffman also will display some of the other animals he owns, including a python, a monitor lizard and an iguana.

Because of their popularity, the pig races have been expanded from four to seven shows, with five races at each show.

EVERGREEN STATE FAIR FARES

The Evergreen State Fair will be open between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily, except on Labor Day, when it will close at 6 p.m. Admission is $6 for people 16 to 61; $3 for children, 6 to 15 years old, and seniors, 62 and older, and free for children under 6 years old. A family pass, good for two adults and children up to a maximum of six people, is $15. Passes are valid Aug. 27 through 31.

Parking costs $2 a day for each passenger vehicle. Trailer hookups, including electricity and water, are $70 for the fair's duration or $7 a day. Non-trailer hookups are $40 for the entire fair or $4 a day.

Additional information can be obtained by telephoning the fair's Seattle number, 883-8033, or in Snohomish County, 339-3309 or 794-7832.