MONROE, Wash., July 1, 2021– The Evergreen State Fair is hosting its annual Fair Food Drive early this year on Saturday, July 10, 2021 from 12:00-6:00 p.m. in the west parking lot at the Evergreen Fair Park in Monroe.

Having the food drive early instead of on opening day of Fair, which has been a tradition in the past, will disperse the usual crowds on Special Admission Days and eliminate the pressure of having to come to the Fair on a certain day to save money on admission. Once participants get their ticket, they can then choose which weekday to enjoy the fair. Special Admission Days are not being offered in 2021.

By donating three or more non-perishable items at this drive-through event, each person will receive one ticket for weekday admission during the 2021 Fair. Limit one ticket per person and four tickets per car. Must be present to receive a ticket. Cash donations do not count towards tickets. 

People can also come to enjoy an early taste of delicious fair food. Food vendors include: Pioneer Popcorn, Pompeii Pizza, Stanwood Concessions (funnel cakes & elephant ears), Conifer Foods (baking fresh Fisher Scones) and Buddy Burgers. 

Donations will go to the Snohomish County Food Bank Coalition and Volunteers of America Western Washington. Donations are critical, with many in need of food this year due to the pandemic. According to Northwest Harvest, 2.2M individuals in Washington may be food-insecure with the greatest need from August to December. Northwest Harvest also calculates that a donation of 1.2 pounds of food or $1.72 are each equal to one meal.

“We had great success at our drive through Fair Food Drive last summer,” said Jeremy Husby, Evergreen State Fair Division Manager. “We are grateful to the community for donating 6,309 pounds of food and $4,275 which equates to 7,743 meals that went to Snohomish County residents in need. We hope to see the community out again this year donating, getting their Fair tickets, and of course getting an early taste of some fair food favorites.”

Suggested non-perishable donations include:

• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Hygiene items/toiletries
• Canned vegetables, fruits, beans, meats
• Pasta
• Peanut butter
• Rice
• Shelf stable milk
• Jellies and jams
• Kitchen staples (spices, flour, sugar, cooking oil, salt)

More information can be found at: www.evergreenfair.org.