I’ve experienced many surprises at the Northwest Washington Fair over the years — and expect to encounter more when I attend this year’s event taking place Aug. 11–20. But stumbling across a costume contest an hour or so before attending a Huey Lewis and the News concert in the summer of 2014 was one for the memory books.
Vying for competition in the contest were, I kid you not, goats and their keepers. Among my favorites were a duo dressed as Thing 1 and Thing 2 from “The Cat in the Hat” book by Dr. Seuss, Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf (the contestant with hooves was the one donning the red cape), a jailhouse goat and a burly guard, and a Girl Scout leading a four-legged box of thin mint cookies by a leash.
I don’t remember which team took home first place, but I do recall my date and I were still discussing the wonders of what could be discovered at the fair while we took our seats at the Grandstand stage to hear Huey belt out hits such as “Hip to be Square,” “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” “Do You Believe in Love?” and “I Want a New Drug.”
Years later, the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden is still full of surprises. For example, this year’s Grandstand performers span an unexpected variety of genres — from country to rap, rock and roll and beyond.
Granger Smith kicks off the Grandstand lineup on Saturday, Aug. 13. The Texas-born country music singer-songwriter will be joined by his alter-ego, Earl Dibbles Jr. The character turns the soft-spoken Smith into an overalls-wearing, chew-spitting, beer-drinking country boy, so if that’s your kind of thing, take note.
Country music takes the spotlight Friday, Aug. 19 when Big & Rich make their way to Lynden. The duo’s song, “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)” won a Grammy in 2004. (Photo courtesy of NW Washington Fair)
On Sunday, Aug. 14, show up for Jaripeo Baile. Translated as “rodeo before the big dance,” the event pairs rodeo and sound for a family-friendly fiesta. Starting off with rodeo events, bull riding and live music from Granda La Fiebre, tunes and dancing will continue with Los Canarios De Michoacan, and the event will conclude with La Mar-K De Tierra Caliente.
Skip ahead a few days to Wednesday, Aug. 17, when For King & Country will take the stage. The Christian pop duo is comprised of Grammy Award-winning Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, who have collaborated with everyone from Dolly Parton to Tori Kelly and Needtobreathe.
Thursday, Aug. 18 takes a new direction with rap and southern hip-hop star Flo Rida (also known as Tramar Larcel Dillard). Born in the state from which he takes his stage name, Dillard has been performing since 2000, and his 2007 breakout single, “Low,” broke the record for digital download sales at the time of its release. (Incidentally, his nonprofit, Big Dreams for Kids, is committed to inspiring future leaders.)
Rap and southern hip-hop star Flo Rida (also known as Tramar Larcel Dillard) performs Thursday, Aug. 18 during the Northwest Washington Fair. (Photo courtesy of NW Washington Fair)
Country music returns to the spotlight Friday, Aug. 19 when Big & Rich make their way to Lynden. I don’t know much about the duo, but strongly approve of the title of their Grammy Award-winning song
“Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy)”
from the 2004 album “Horse of a Different Color.”
Saving the best for last, rock ‘n’ roll legend Pat Benatar will light up Lynden Saturday, Aug. 20, along with guitarist and husband Neil Giraldo. With more than 35 million albums sold worldwide, Benatar has been active in the music business for 50 years and is a four-time Grammy winner.
This November, the singer and songwriter will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so it would be wise to purchase a ticket in advance to hear Benatar belt out songs such as “Love is a Battlefield,” “Promises in the Dark,” “Heartbreaker” and “All Fired Up” (it was recently reported she doesn’t sing “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” anymore, out of respect for American families affected by mass shootings).
Throughout the fair, big-name acts will be augmented by local performers who will be playing on smaller stages but still making a big impact. Spaceband, a cover band known for playing R&B and hip-hop hits from the 1990s through the 2000s, can be seen numerous times on the Banner Bank Festival Stage. So can magician Jeff Evans, circus performers Mango & Dango, and hypnotist Tammy Harris Barton.
Whether you’re at the fairgrounds to eat funnel cakes and Moo-Wiches, take a look at the 4-H animals, ride the Zipper, see the Demo Derby, check out the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show before trying to win your significant other a stuffed animal, or to see locals and legends make music, keep your eye open for unexpected surprises. Down the line, they may make for an interesting story.
The Northwest Washington Fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily from Aug. 11–20 at 1775 Front St. in Lynden. General admission is $13–$15. Grandstand shows range in prices. Info: nwwafair.com.
