August 13-22, 2026
Published Wednesday, August 5, 2026 Supplement of the Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record
Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026 General Information
Northwest Washington Fair Aug. 13-22 Fair Office: 360-354-4111 Web Site: nwwafair.com
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Fair Hours: Gates open at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Vendors open at 11 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. Carnival hours: 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Fair Office hours year-round: 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Fair Office hours Aug. 13-22: 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
$
Gate Admission: $15 General Admission (13-61 years) $13 Senior (62 and older) $10 Youth (6-12) Free for ages 5 and younger
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Lost & Found/Lost Children:
+ ♿ ATM
First Aid: Located in BP Place
Wheelchair Rentals: Available at Gate 1 inside the Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion.
Cash Machines: Located next to the Grandstand Ticket Booth and across from Guest Services.
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Restrooms: Banner Bank Festival Stage WECU Expo Building Clock Tower (family restroom)
Guest Services (across from Clock Tower)
BP Place
Mother’s Room:
Henry Jansen Agricultural Center
Located in BP Place
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Mission Statement The Northwest Washington Fair Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Mission of the Northwest Washington Fair is to provide: • Education regarding agriculture - past, present, and future • Experiences with positive competition • Enjoyment of wholesome entertainment, social interactions, and lasting memories Our five core values are Youth, Community, Agriculture, Education and Entertainment. The Northwest Washington Fair Association will organize an annual Fair that will promote an appreciation for our agricultural heritage, provide education about the role agriculture plays in life today, while providing youth with a hands-on experience. The annual fair will be a social gathering place where family values will be honored, and individuals of all ages will be entertained. The mission of the association will further be accomplished by generating revenue via rental of the facilities during the off-season, developing promotional activities to encourage off-season usage, and promoting agriculture as a way of life. The Northwest Washington Fair Association is an organization in which the staff, Board of Directors, association members, volunteers, contributors, and Whatcom County citizens all have a sense of ownership and pride.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
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A message from the manager of the Northwest Washington Fair Welcome to the 2026 Northwest Washington Fair. The Fair is my favorite time of the year. It’s when our community comes together to reconnect with friends and neighbors, support local agriculture, celebrate the accomplishments of our youth and make memories that last long after the gates close. Whether you’re here for the animals, exhibits, carnival, food, concerts, rodeo,
or simply to spend time with family and friends, there is something special about the fair. Around every corner you’ll find people sharing their talents, learning something new and creating experiences together. The fair wouldn’t be possible without the exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors, staff and community partners who dedicate so much time and effort throughout the
year. Their commitment helps make the Northwest Washington Fair a place where traditions continue and new memories are made. Thank you for being here and for supporting the fair. We hope you take time to explore, try something new, cheer someone on and enjoy all that the fair has to offer. Have a wonderful fair. Selena Burgess Manager, Northwest Washington Fair
Fair Magazine publisher’s welcome Dear readers and fairgoers, For more than 100 years the Lynden Tribune has proudly covered and reported on the Northwest Washington Fair. My first memories of the fair go back nearly 60 years. I think I pestered my dad Julian enough that he finally let me tag along with him to a work party out at the fairgrounds. Dad and other members of the local business community volunteered their evenings painting and sprucing up the inside of the fair buildings along Front Street. I will never forget the chuckles I earned when I mistakenly sat on
one of the benches that had just been painted. This edition of our 2026 Washington Fair Magazine is again a celebration of the outstanding 10-day Whatcom County event hosted right here in our backyard. It takes the dedicated work of our entire newspaper staff to produce this award-winning magazine. From the planning, writing stories, selling ads, proofing, to the graphic design, the Fair magazine is one of our proudest undertakings each year. I would like to personally thank the business community for their amazing advertising support allowing
us to publish a magazine of this quality. And to our faithful readers, thank you for your continued support. I would be remiss not to give a special shout out to Fair Manager Selena Burgess and her outstanding staff. Thank you for working with the Tribune team to make the 2026 Northwest Washington Fair magazine a valuable and informative publication for the entire community. So here’s to a wonderful and safe 2026 Northwest Washington Fair. And to the many, many volunteers who help make it run smoothly — a huge thank you.
Respectfully, Michael D. Lewis Publisher, Lynden Tribune
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
Contents Grandstand Entertainment
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6 10 13 15 19 21 24 26
Demolition Derby Stone Temple Pilots Maoli Lynden PRCA Rodeo TobyMac Ja Rule and Fat Joe Brantley Gilbert Hell's Belles and Crush
Features
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15 38
B2wins All-American High Dive Show Aporto Versado and Los Armados Powerhouse Percussive Dance 30 years for Dean Lenssen Barnyard Kids 4-H Jack Carver: Fair photographer Q&A with Tom De Hoog Flying Royals Barn Buddies 4-H All Creatures Barnyard Races
Resources
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66 76
28 31 32 34 43 55 56 66 69 74 78
1 3 37 38 41 46 70 72 76 82 83 87 88
General Information Welcome Messages Small Stage Entertainment Fair Food Value Menu Fair Food Vendors Judging Schedule Farming for Life Hobbies Carnival Tickets Discount Days Free Park & Ride Shuttle Fair Board and Fair Staff Map
The Lynden Tribune team hopes you enjoy this year’s Northwest Washington Fair publication. A lot of time and effort went into bringing you a magazine the entire community can take pride in. It will again be our pleasure and responsibility to capture more special moments for you this year. Thank you for your continued support. Also, thank you to everyone at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden for your collaborative efforts.
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To the right and on following pages: The demolition derby is a signature experience at the Northwest Washington Fair. The format features a series of divisions where local and regional drivers drive heavily-modified mini vans, trucks and cars. Before competition, vehicles are stripped of glass and hazardous materials to maximize safety. (Lynden Tribune file photos)
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
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Kicking off Fair with a smashing start By Zen Hill Sports Reporter
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he fan-favorite demolition derby is once again kicking off the opening weekend of the 2026 Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden. The metal-crunching event is organized by the Whatcom County Demo Derby Club. During the derby, Scholten’s Equipment Arena becomes a battleground for destruction in back-to-back nights of automotive madness. The first wrecks will occur Thursday, Aug. 13 to begin the fair’s 10-day run. There are two nights of demolition with Friday, August 14 serving as the final day of chaos. Both evening shows will begin at 7 p.m. with gates opening an hour prior at 6 p.m. Tickets are separate from the regular fair gate admission, which is $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $10 for youth. Tickets can be purchased through the Northwest Washington Fair website, at the Fair Office at 1775 Front St. or over the phone at 360-354-4111. Reserved seating is $30 per person and preferred seating is $40 per person. You can pay $110 for a VIP experience that includes premium seating, gate admission, exclusive parking, a buffet dinner provided by Silver Reef Casino Resort and access to a full no-host bar. The demolition derby is a signature experience at the Northwest Washington Fair. Continued on next page
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
The format features a series of divisions where local and regional drivers drive heavily-modified mini vans, trucks and cars. Prior to competition, vehicles are stripped of glass and hazardous materials to maximize safety. The strategy for drivers is to protect your own car while also trying to immobilize the competition. Drivers trade heavy blows along the dirt track at the derby. You’ll see plenty of spinning out and tons of wrecks. The signature figure eight race is typically on Friday. The rules dictate that cars must make aggressive contact every fixed number of seconds, so there’s no shying away from contact. The chaos continues relentlessly until only one mangled vehicle is still capable of moving under its own power. Last year Taya Dykstra won the Mini Van Heat No. 1 and Chase Bosman topped the Mini Van Heat No. 2. Ryan Veeneman claimed first in the Small Truck Derby and Jared Lagerwey won the Big Car Full Build event. Wayne Vis won the Big Car Main event, Sam Drake took first in the Big Truck Derby and Monte Lagerwey was atop the Chain and Go division. Aric Vanderhaak won the Mini Van Figure Eight Race. Whether you are a lifelong gearhead or a first-time fairgoer looking for an evening of thrilling entertainment, the Northwest Washington Fair’s demolition derby delivers an unmatched experience. Grab your earplugs, pick your favorite car and prepare to cheer as Lynden’s favorite summer tradition smashes into action. -- Contact Zen Hill at sports@lyndentribune.com
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
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of the band. While considered part of the first wave of alternative metal, Stone Temple Pilots is ranked as one of the heaviest grunge bands, alongside Alice in Chains. Stone Temple Pilots is re-
garded as one of the most successful rock bands of the 1990s, having sold more than 18 million albums in the United States and 40 million worldwide that same decade. After forming under the name Swing (later Mighty Joe
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Young), the band signed with Atlantic Records and changed its name to Stone Temple Pilots. Their debut album, "Core," released in 1992, was a major See Stone Temple Pilots on 81
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tone Temple Pilots will perform at the Northwest Washington Fair at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15. Stone Temple Pilots took the 1990s by storm. With the songs “Wicked Garden” and “Plush,” they left their mark on the world with more than 70 million albums sold. Their most recent studio album, "Perdida," was released in 2020 with new lead singer Jeff Gutt, continuing the band’s legacy as influential musical icons. Formed in San Diego, California in 1989, Stone Temple Pilots’ musical style is a blend of alternative rock and grunge of the 1990s, with the hard rock and psychedelic rock of the 1970s. While initially rising to fame as part of the grunge movement of the early 1990s, further releases from the band explored a variety of styles, including psychedelic rock, bossa nova and classic rock. The band is known for making each of their albums possess a unique sound, despite all having the sonic blueprint
Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
Above and on preceding page: Stone Temple Pilots took the 1990s by storm. With the songs “Wicked Garden” and “Plush,” they left their mark on the world with more than 70 million albums sold. Their most recent studio album, "Perdida," was released in 2020 with new lead singer Jeff Gutt, continuing the band’s legacy as influential musical icons. (Courtesy photo)
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awaiian country singer Maoli will take the stage at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16 at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden. Known for his laid-back island sound, Maoli will perform as part of the Bank of the Pacific Grandstand Entertainment Series. Rising star and Maui native, Maoli is making a name for himself with his unique blend of island reggae and country soul. With nine independent albums, over half a billion global streams, and a 15-year recording and touring career, he’s quickly garnered fans from across the U.S., Hawaii and Polynesia. What started as music mixed with island pop and roots reggae later transformed into a unique Hawaiian-country sound that catapulted his career to new levels. Following his breakout in the country music scene in 2018, his nine independent albums have featured a mix of original songs and covers of popular country hits and more than 500 million See Maoli on 85
Tickets and more info: • $30 for grandstand reserved seats, $45 for grandstand preferred, $55 for preferred chairs, $125 for VIP. • More: maolimusic.com
Rising star and Maui native, Maoli is making a name for himself with his unique blend of island reggae and country soul. (Courtesy photo)
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R A R d By Zen Hill Sports Reporter
E
Above and on following pages: When this year’s Lynden PRCA Rodeo action begins, there’ll be a surge in the intensity of the competition compared to prior years. That’s because this year there are increased potential winnings for contestants, which means better riders will be competing at their best for Lynden’s rodeo. (Lynden Tribune file photos)
very year the Northwest Washington Fair’s PRCA Rodeo is a thrilling event at Scholten’s Equipment Arena. The sold-out Whatcom County crowd fills up prior to the start of the event and before competition even starts the national anthem is a uniting calm before the storm. “There’s a sense of pride, respect and community that’s hard to describe,” NWW Fair Manager Selena Burgess said. “It’s a tradition that sets the tone for the evening and reminds us that rodeo is about more than the competition.” When the action begins, there’ll be a surge in the intensity of the competition compared to prior years. That’s because this year there are increased potential winnings for contestants, which means better riders will be competing at their best for Lynden’s rodeo. The livestock for the event brings as much star power as the riders. To guarantee high-scoring rides, the rodeo is bringing back C5 Rodeo, an Alberta-based stock powerhouse. Continued on next page
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026 “Great rodeo athletes aren’t just the cowboys and cowgirls,” Burgess said. “The livestock are incredible athletes too. The quality of the stock is what creates a fair, exciting competition. The best bucking horses and bulls have the athletic ability and consistency that give contestants the opportunity to earn high scores while giving fans an exciting show.” Fans themselves will have a chance to get in on the winning. Each night there’ll be a “Fan of the Night” that wins a custom buckle by HighCraft Custom Cabinets. Show up and try to be the loudest and most enthusiastic spectator. Because of the PRCA entry timelines, the heat sheets won’t lock in until closer to the fair, which is a way to add anticipation, according to Burgess. This year’s performances
Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
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will also celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The Lynden PRCA Rodeo will feature patriotic elements woven into the nightly lineup to celebrate the historic year. The rodeo’s stop in Lynden is a favorite for riders on the Pacific Northwest circuit. That’s because Whatcom County understands the sport and isn’t just there to see some action. “Our community truly loves rodeo and they show up ready to cheer on every competitor,” Burgess said. “That kind of enthusiastic crowd creates an incredible atmosphere in the arena. You can feel the energy, and I think both the contestants and the fans feed off of it.” The performances, presented by the Northwest Ford Dealers, are on Aug. 17-18. Gates open at 6 p.m. with the main performance starting at 7 p.m. Grandstand seats are $30 for adults and $12 for children ages 12 and under. The base fair gate admission ($15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $10 for youth) is required to access the arena. The volunteers and staff are an essential part of the rodeo’s success. This year the barrelman entertaining the fans is Matt Merritt and Jody Carper is the voice of the event as the announcer. “There’s months of work leading up to the rodeo,” Burgess said. “It takes an incredible team — from our staff and volunteers to our rodeo partners and sponsors — to make everything come together. The rodeo is one of the highlights of the Fair, and it’s rewarding to see all that planning turn into an experience our community looks forward to every year.” -- Contact Zen Hill at sports@lyndentribune.com
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
“There’s a sense of pride, respect and community that’s hard to describe,” NWW Fair Manager Selena Burgess said. “It’s a tradition that sets the tone for the evening and reminds us that rodeo is about more than the competition.” (Lynden Tribune file photos)
Tickets and more info: • $30 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under. $159 for VIP. • More: nwwafair.com.
Grandstand Entertainment
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hristian singer TobyMac will take the stage at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19 at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden. TobyMac is a highly accomplished artist with music that continues to impact individuals across the nation. With 17 GRAMMY® Award Nominations, seven GRAMMY® Awards, multiple charttopping songs and numerous projects that reached RIAA Gold Certification, he’s achieved remarkable success within the genre. Some of his top hits include RIAA Gold Certified "I just need U," "Help Is On The Way (Maybe Midnight)" which peaked at No. 1 across five charts, "The Goodness (feat. Blessing Offor)," "Promised Land" and many more. Widely regarded as one of the most influential Christian artists of all time, Continued on next page
Tickets and more info: • $50 for grandstand reserved seats, $65 for grandstand preferred, $75 for preferred chairs, $205 for VIP. • More: tobymac.com
TobyMac, pictured, will take the grandstand stage at this year's fair at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19. (Courtesy photo)
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
he was a member of the Christian rap-rock trio DC Talk, staying with them from 1987 until they went on hiatus in 2000. He has since continued a successful solo career with the release of 10 studio albums, including his most recent, last year’s "Heaven On My Mind." Between DC Talk and his own solo career, TobyMac has sold more than 10 million albums and won seven Grammy Awards. He has had six No.1 Contemporary Christian Hit Radio singles. Six singles have gone to No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Songs chart, making him one of the artists with the most No. 1 hits on that chart. His live concert CD+DVD combo album, "Alive and Transported," was released in 2008 and received the Grammy Award for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album at the 51st Grammy Awards in 2009. His fifth studio album, "Eye on It," received a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2013 Grammys, along with his sixth album, "This Is Not a Test" winning the same award at the
2016 Grammys. Grandstand reserved tickets are $50, preferred tickets are $65 and preferred chairs are $75. Prices do not include gate admission, which is required and sold separately, unless purchasing VIP tickets. VIP tickets are $205 and include the best seats in the house, a premium parking pass, gate admission, dinner provided by Silver Reef Casino Resort and a full no-host bar. Tickets can be purchased online at nwwafair.com/tickets, the Fair Office, 1775 Front St., Lynden or by phone at 360-354-4111. Group ticket prices are also available. Ticket sales for the Northwest Washington Fair must be purchased through the official website, nwwafair. com, or at the Fair Office. The Fair is not responsible for tickets purchased from third-party sellers and cannot guarantee their validity or authenticity. To ensure the ticket purchased is valid, always buy directly from the Fair. More about TobyMac at tobymac. com.
Between DC Talk and his own solo career, TobyMac has sold more than 10 million albums and won seven Grammy Awards. (Courtesy photo)
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Grandstand Entertainment
Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026 Thud, Aug * 7 * Resd Set $
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ip Hop legends Ja Rule and Fat Joe will make their Lynden debut this summer at The Northwest Washington Fair. These two artists will bring their top hits at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, part of the Bank of the Pacific Grandstand Entertainment Series. An award-nominated artist, Ja Rule has released chart-topping albums and hit songs that have resulted in countless fans in the United States and around the world. Born and raised in Queens, New York City, Ja Rule became known See Ja Rule and Fat Joe on 23
Tickets and more info: • $55 for grandstand reserved seats, $70 for grandstand preferred, $80 for preferred chairs, $210 for VIP. • More: nwwfair.com
Ja Rule and Fat Joe, from left, will bring their top hits to this year's fair at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20. (Courtesy photo)
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
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Ja Rule and Fat Joe: Will debut in Lynden Continued from 21
for blending gangsta rap with pop and R&B sensibilities. He signed with Irv Gotti’s Murder Inc Records, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings to release his debut studio album "Venni Vetti Vecci "(1999), which spawned his first hit single, “Holla Holla.” In 2001, he peaked the Billboard Hot 100 on several occasions with his singles “Put It on Me” (featuring Lil’ Mo and Vita), “Always on Time” (featuring Ashanti) and his guest appearances on Jennifer Lopez’s songs “I’m Real (Murder Remix)” and “Ain’t It Funny.” From 1999 to 2005 Ja Rule had seventeen Hot 100 hits, chiefly produced by Irv Gotti. As of 2018, Ja Rule has sold 30 million records worldwide. Fat Joe is a Grammy-nominated recording artist from the Bronx, New York. He has had an acclaimed career that has
spanned four different decades. Growing up he was constantly influenced by his family’s diverse passion for music and surroundings. Fat Joe found inspiration from his older brother and acclaimed fellow rappers, Big Pun, Theodore, Funky 4+1, and the Furious Five. Fat Joe explained how powerfully impacted he was by expressing, “Latinos before us who had the opportunity to do it just didn’t know how to do it. They came in trying to do this black music, waving flags, but we’re trying to kick in the doors for other Latinos and represent our people, and it shows.” Fat Joe has been nominated for many mainstream awards, ranging from Grammy Awards, BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards, Billboard Latin Music Award and several others. Currently Fat Joe released his biggest
record to date with Remy Ma and French Montana called “All The Way Up” which has hit Top 40 in five weeks and spawned four different remixes with Jay Z, Game, Snoop, E40, Daddy Yankee and Nicky Jamz. It’s the first time in 20 years that Jay Z and Fat Joe feature on a project together. Grandstand reserved tickets are $55, preferred tickets are $70 and preferred chairs are $80. Prices do not include gate admission, which is required and sold separately, unless purchasing VIP tickets. VIP tickets are $210 and include the best seats in the house, a premium parking pass, gate admission, dinner provided by Silver Reef Casino Resort and a full no-host bar. Tickets can be purchased online at nwwafair.com/tickets, the Fair Office, 1775 Front St., Lynden, or by phone at 360-354-4111. Group ticket prices are also available.
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ulti-Platinum-selling country artist Brantley Gilbert will perform at this year’s Northwest Washington Fair at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21, as part of the Bank of the Pacific Grandstand Entertainment Series. Brantley Gilbert is an ACM, CMA and AMA award-winning performer-songwriter who first entered the scene in 2009 with his chart-topping debut album “A Modern Day Prodigal Son.” 8.3 billion career streams later, he’s garnered back-to-back platinum albums, a loyal fan-base and seven No. 1 hits. Born in 1985, Brantley Keith Gilbert is from Jefferson, Georgia. He was originally signed to Colt Ford’s label, Average Joes Entertainment, where he released “Modern Day Prodigal Son” and “Halfway to Heaven.” He is now signed to the Valory division of Big Machine Records where he has released six studio albums and 14 country chart entries, four of which have gone to number one. He also co-wrote
(with Colt Ford) and originally recorded Jason Aldean’s singles “My Kinda Party” and “Dirt Road Anthem.” In January 2025, Gilbert was featured on a remix of country rock artist Austin Snell’s song “Muddy Water Rockstar,” as promotion for Snell opening for Gilbert on tour in 2025. On May 23, 2025, Gilbert released a 10th anniversary edition of his third studio al-
bum, “Just as I Am.” The album contained two new live tracks that weren’t included on the original release. On June 6, 2025, Gilbert released a 15th anniversary edition of his second studio album, “Halfway to Heaven,” containing the original recordings of the album’s tracks, entitled “Halfway to Heaven” (From the Vault). In September 2025, Gilbert announced his next single,
“Want You Back” as a surprise release on September 5, 2025. Upon release, Gilbert announced his next album, a greatest hits compilation, "Greatest Hits ... So Far," to release on Dec. 12, 2025 that features three previously unreleased songs, “Want You Back,” “Real American” and “Ride With Me." Real American Freestyle co-founder Hulk Hogan had commissioned Gilbert to write “Real American” as the promotion’s theme song. Grandstand reserved tickets are $50, preferred tickets are $65 and Party Pit tickets are sold out. Prices do not include gate admission, which is required and sold separately, unless purchasing VIP tickets. VIP tickets for this show are sold out. Tickets can be purchased online at nwwafair. com/tickets, the Fair Office, 1775 Front St., Lynden or by phone at 360-354-4111. Group ticket prices are also available. Visit nwwafair.com for more information about the Fair. Visit brantleygilbert.com for more about Brantley Gilbert.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
Above and on preceding page: Brantley Gilbert is an ACM, CMA and AMA award-winning performer-songwriter who first entered the scene in 2009 with his chart-topping debut album “A Modern Day Prodigal Son.” 8.3 billion career streams later, he’s garnered back-to-back platinum albums, a loyal fan-base and seven No. 1 hits. (Courtesy photos)
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Tickets and more info: • $50 for grandstand reserved seats, $65 for grandstand preferred. VIP & Party Pit sold out. • More: brantleygilbert.com
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he Northwest Washington Fair will present a night of rock hits as Hell’s Belles and Crush: The Bon Jovi Concert Experience perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22 as part of the Bank of the Pacific Grandstand Entertainment Series. This is the first time that Crush will perform at the NWW Fair. For Hell’s Belles, this will be the second time, as the tribute band played here in 2021. As the tribute band’s most tenured member, Adrian Conner was with Hell’s Belles five years ago and said she enjoys playing to her Northwest Washington fans. Hell’s Belles is a dedicated and passionate group paying homage to the iconic rock band AC/DC. As self-described ‘AC/DC fanatics,’ this all-female group has traveled across the world delivering authentic AC/DC shows to numerous fans, creating energetic and unforgettable concert experiences, even being endorsed by Angus Young himself in a 2003 issue of Blender Magazine. Performing classic hits such as "TNT," "Highway to Hell," "Thun-
Crush: The Bon Jovi Concert Experience, above, will join Hell’s Belles at the Northwest Washington Fair. (Courtesy photo)
See Hell’s Belles and Crush on 80
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
In 2021, Hell’s Belles played the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden. On Aug. 22, the all-female AC/DC tribute band will again play the NWW Fair. As self-described ‘AC/DC fanatics,’ this all-female group has traveled across the world delivering authentic AC/DC shows to numerous fans, creating energetic and unforgettable concert experiences, even being endorsed by Angus Young himself in a 2003 issue of Blender Magazine. (Bill Helm/Lynden Tribune)
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Tickets and more info: • $20 for grandstand reserved seats, $25 for grandstand preferred, $30 for Party Pit, $99 for VIP. • More: nwwafair.com
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
BANNER BANK STAGE
B2wins played their way to the top
I
n the heart of the most dangerous slums of Rio de Janeiro, twin brothers grew up the sunny slums of Niteroi. Their days filled with soccer, laughter, beaches and wonder. But this fairytale land was juxtaposed against a world of violence, poverty and despair. Growing up in the favelas, their house lacked running water, there were days they went without food, and some days felt like a battle for survival amidst the violent drug trade that exists in that reality. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, they found something that would change their lives forever: music. Their father, a hard working luthier, handcrafted two violins — two instruments that would carry them out of the darkness. These violins became their escape, their hope,and their gateway to a world they could only dream of. With each note they played, they defied the odds, using music not just to survive, but to rise above the circumstances that tried to break them. At just 13, they began performing with their local orchestra, playing classical music. Their raw sound captivating the souls of those who heard them. Word quickly spread, and soon they were playing at the most luxurious events across Brazil for professional soccer players, actors, and politicians.
Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
The twins were no longer just a pair of boys from the slums; they were icons, their music a beacon of hope and resilience. But their story didn’t stop there. The breakthrough came in 2006, when their story was featured on National Public Radio, leading to a life-changing offer: full-ride music scholarships to the United States. From the streets of Rio to the grand stages of the world, their journey had just begun. Now, having performed thousands of events worldwide, the B2wins — pronounced B-Twins — carry with them the joys of their past, the spirit of their struggle, the dreams and the mission to spread happiness with their music. Whether they’re performing in intimate formal settings or headlining grand stages, the twins deliver more than just music — they embody a story of resilience, passion and the unbreakable bond between brothers. B2wins will perform at 2:45 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m. daily throughout this year’s Northwest Washington Fair, April 13-22. They will perform on the Banner Bank Festival Stage. Each of these performances is free with fair gate admission. More at b2wins.com.
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¡Dolly Parton's Imagination Library es un programa de alfabetización que envía un nuevo libro cada mes a niños menores de cinco (5) años que viven en el condado de Whatcom! United Way del Condado de Whatcom financia y administra este programa para los niños de nuestra comunidad.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
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ZIPLY FIBER ACTION STAGE
All-American High Dive Show
T
he All-American High Dive Show is the All-American diving classic, a fast paced, high-energy show that has been successful for more than five decades — but greatly updated for the times. This show is good clean fun and features world class and world champion divers and gymnasts performing springboard and tower diving, a costumed clown diving act with audience interaction, the Human Torch Fire Dive and the feature high dive finale from a platform more than 70 feet in the air. The show is complimented by the All-American Show set with background music and costumes. All athletes participate in an after-show meet and greet in front of the pool where questions are answered, pictures are taken and autographs are signed. This show has been featured at hundreds of fairs over the years with Watershow Productions Incorporated and continues to be an audience favorite. This show will take place at the Ziply Fiber Action Stage near the water tower. Show times are daily at 12:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., with an extra show at 2 p.m. on weekends. Each of these performances is free with fair gate admission. Photos and story courtesy All-American High Dive Show.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
BANNER BANK STAGE
Aporto Versado and Los Armados
A
porto Versado, pictured above, is a local grupo sierreño from Skagit County. Angel Hernandez-Martinez is the requintero and was the chair of Latinx Men in Higher Education before graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. Hernandez-Martinez is the requintero and sings harmony, Tony Carrasco is the bass player and sings the melody, and Isaac Raygoza is the guitarist and sings the melody. Aporto Versado has performed at weddings, quinceañeras and community events such as the Low Rider Show at Western Washington University. Formed in November 2025, Los Armados, at right, is a talented grupo norteño performing a variety of regional Mexican music, including cumbias and corridos. The band was founded by Luis Casillas Jr., who began playing guitar in 2019. After performing with several bands, Luis decided to form Los Armados and pursue his dream of starting his own band. Catch Aporto Versado and Los Armados on the Banner Bank Festival Stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
BANNER BANK STAGE
Powerhouse Percussive Dance offers an electrifying experience
P
owerhouse Percussive Dance seamlessly blends innovative tap, precision clogging, Irish step dancing and stomp into an electrifying dance experience. Comprised of a diverse group of nationally recognized percussive dance artists, showcasing a technically astounding, comedic and highly interactive performance. Curriculum-Based Educational Program: This exciting and engaging education program is designed to educate audiences as it explores the musicality of percussive dance, highlighting the deep connection to the rich history and social evolution of percussive dance as America’s most identifiable folk dance. Affiliated with prestigious arts education programs, including the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, All the Arts for All the Kids, Children’s Creative Project and more, Powerhouse is both assembly performances and hands-on workshops. Television Credits and Widespread Success: Powerhouse has also made waves on popular TV shows such as America’s Got Talent, The Gong Show (winners 2017), Tengo Talento/ Mucho Talento, and the classic show Hee Haw. Additionally, they have had
great success at 100-plus major venues and fairs, such as Downtown Disney, LA CTY, Kern County and Alaska State Fairs, and has reached audiences live on stage 200-400 times per year. Powerhouse Percussive Dance will perform at noon and again at 3:45 p.m.
daily throughout this year’s Northwest Washington Fair. Powerhouse will also perform at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 13-21. Powerhouse performances will be on the Banner Bank Festival Stage. Each of these performances is free with fair gate admission.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026 SMALL STAGE ENTERTAINMENT
For many years, the Banner Bank Stage has been home to some of the most thrilling and notable live acts from performers across the Pacific Northwest. Here are some of the acts that will perform at this year’s NWW Fair on the Banner Bank Stage, free with fair gate admission.
Daily schedule 10 a.m. – 4-H Performing Arts (not on Aug. 13)
erhouse Percussive Dance
Noon – Powerhouse Percussive Dance
4:30 p.m. – Tammy Harris Barton
12:45 p.m. – The Magic of Sterling
5:30 p.m. – The Magic of Sterling
1:45 p.m. – Tammy Harris Barton
6:30 p.m. – B2wins
2:45 p.m. – B2wins 3:45 p.m. – Pow-
7:30 p.m. – Powerhouse Percussive Dance (** not on Aug. 22)
** Special performance at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22: Aporto Versado and Los Armados.
The Grandstand Horse Show runs at 12:30 p.m. daily from Monday, Aug. 17 through Saturday, Aug. 22 in Scholten’s Equipment Arena. Enjoy a seat in the shade at the Bank of the Pacific Grandstand. See below for a breakdown of each day’s performances. Schedules are subject to change:
Daily schedule Aug. 17 • Draft Horse Free Drive Section 1 • Mutton Busting • Ponies “Wagon or Chariot” • Liberty Horsemanship Ruia Merritt • Nooksack Valley Riders • Draft Horse Free Drive Section 2
Aug. 18 • Military Service Recognition • Draft Horse Free Drive Section 1 • Mutton Busting • Ponies "Wagon or Chariot" • Liberty Horsemanship Ruia Merritt • Nooksack Valley Riders • Draft Horse Free Drive Section 2
Aug. 19 • Draft Horse Free Drive • Liberty Horsemanship Ruia Merritt • Ponies "Wagon or Chariot" • Nooksack Valley Riders
Aug. 20 Discover entertaining performances at the Alta Gas Clock Tower Stage each day at 4 p.m. Each show offers something different daily, from dance to music, magic shows. Here are some of the acts that will perform at this year’s NWW Fair on the Alta Gas Clock Tower Stage, free with fair gate admission.
Daily schedule Aug. 13. – The Magic of Sterling Aug. 14 – TBD Aug. 15 – B2wins Aug. 16 – Po’okela Street Band Aug. 17 – TBD
Aug. 18 – Military Tribute Aug. 19 – TBD Aug. 20 – TBD Aug. 21 – The Magic of Sterling Aug. 22 – Rainbow Square Dancers
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• Draft Horse Free Drive featuring NWWF Board of Directors • Liberty Horsemanship Ruia Merritt • Ponies "Wagon or Chariot" • Nooksack Valley Riders
Aug. 21 • Draft Horse Free Drive • Liberty Horsemanship Ruia Merritt • Ponies "Wagon or Chariot" • Nooksack Valley Riders • Draft Horse 8 Horse Hitch
Aug. 22 • Draft Horse Free Drive • Draft Horse Junior Awards • Liberty Horsemanship Ruia Merritt • Ponies "Wagon or Chariot" • Nooksack Valley Riders
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
FAIR FOOD VALUE MENU
Enjoy select meals and food items from participating vendors for $10 or less* Sugar and Spice Mini Donuts • Mini Sized Mini Donuts ($10) A perfectly portioned dessert.
Cornerstone Cafe • Rodeo Beef Burger ($10) Our fully loaded burger with a cowboy-sized bite every time. • Blue Ribbon Chicken Burger ($10) A champion among chicken burgers. Crispy, juicy, blue ribbon good. • Buckaroo Burger Basket ($10) Our famous giddy-up cheeseburger served with a pony portion of golden fries. Fuel for any cowpoke. • Aussie Iced Coffee ($10) Cold, creamy and ready for the trail.
A Roasted Development • Two Churros ($6) Share with a friend, or keep both for yourself. • Roasted Corn on the Cob ($7) A Fair-food classic, roasted to perfection. • Elote Loco ($9) A bold twist on a summer favorite.
Dairy Women Booth • Moo-Wich and Milk Combo ($10) One famous Moo-Wich and a milk.
JJ and Sons Chicken • Chicken Meal ($9.99) Chicken tender, fries and a drink
Ray's Teriyaki • Combo Meal ($10) Your choice of fried rice or veggie, noodles and bubble tea.
Boy Scouts 'Doghouse' • Corn Dog Meal ($10) Corn dog, fries and a drink. • Kids Hot Dog Meal ($10) Kids hot dog, fries and a drink.
Lynden Dutch Bakery • Poffertjes ($10) A delicious serving of this traditional Dutch treat.
Flaco's • Taco Meal ($10) One taco with rice, beans and a 16-ounce drink.
Piggly's BBQ • Burger Meal ($9.99) Burger, fries and a drink.
Little Caesars • Slice and Soda Combo ($7.49) One slice of pizza and soda. Dirties Soda Pop Shop • Refillable Bucket Deal Buy a bucket for $10 and get $6 refills at any event they’re at.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
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FOOD VENDORS Grandstand Area • A Roasted Development Roasted corn on the cob, baked potatoes, churros • Cornerstone Christian School Burgers, fries, mac & cheese, cinnamon rolls • Dairy Women II Moo Shed Soft serve sundaes, milkshakes • Gold Buckle Espresso Espresso drinks, Italian sodas, frozen mochas • JJ & Sons Concessions Pigglys BBQ Piggly fries, jumbo onion rings, BBQ ribs • Lemons on the Loose Lemonade, strawberry lemonade, limeade • Little Caesars Pizza Pizza by the slice or whole pizza • Mt. Baker Toppers Curly fries, scones, coffee • Ray’s Teriyaki Fried rice, noodles, veggie
stir fry • Stizzy Works - Flaco’s Tacos, loaded nachos, loaded quesadilla • The Ramblin’ Gourmet Ground sirloin burgers, jumbo handdipped corn dogs • Uncle Bill’s Famous Corndog Shack King corn dogs, chicken nuggets, garlic cheese curds
Near Banner Bank Festival Stage • Revival Coffee Co. Coffee, espresso, lotus
South of Phillips 66 Center • Dairy Women I Moo-wich, hard pack ice cream, soft serve sundaes • Funnel Cakes West with Managing Partner Stizzyworks Variety of funnel cakes
and toppings • Pina Coladas Acapulco Style Piña Coladas served in a pineapple
South Side of People’s Bank Farm Pavilion • JJ & Sons Concessions - Lemonade Giant Lemonade and baby bottles • JJ & Sons - Chicken Chicken sandwich basket, chicken Philly basket • JJ & Sons Pretzels & Pickles Pretzels, pretzel bites, pickles • Sugar n Spice Mini Donuts Mini-donuts, Dole Whip, hand-dipped corn dogs
Clocktower Area • Antojos Mexico Inc. Agua fresca, fresh cut fruit
• Dirties Soda A variety of dirty soda flavor combinations • Kona Shaved Ice Shaved ice, multiple flavors • Lyncs Athletic Booster Club Hot dogs, curly fries, Fair burgers • Lynden PTA Cheeseburgers, fries, hot dogs • Rock’s Concessions Boba Tea Freshly made boba tea
WECU Expo Building • Bry’s Filipino Cuisine Grilled BBQ chicken served with rice and salad, pancit, lumpia • El Ranchito Super nachos, enchilada/ tacos, deluxe taco salads • Graze and Gather Salads, sandwiches and wraps
• It’s the Sweet Things Bakery Baked goods, Italian sodas, iced coffee • Boy Scouts “Doghouse” Chili cheese bowls, corn dogs, corn on the cob • Paleteria La Flor De Michoacan Homemade popsicles and cold fruit drinks, horchata
Walkway to the Grandstand • Lindsay’s Crazy for Kettle Corn Kettle corn in various flavors • Lynden Dutch Bakery -Poffertjes Poffertjes, baked goods • Shishkaberry Strawberries, bananas and pineapple dipped in chocolate • Sweet Art Cotton candy animal creations
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
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Dean Lenssen marks 30 years at fairgrounds
Dean Lenssen has been the Lynden fair’s head groundskeeper for 30 years now. (Cal Bratt for the Tribune)
As facilities manager with a big heart for Lynden’s ‘party,’ he has made an impact By Cal Bratt For the Tribune
Dean Lenssen agrees he has “in my head” pretty much everything to be done on the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds. Sometimes he might make a list. As facilities manager and now with 30 years of experience, Lenssen is the longest-serving person with the fairgrounds as far as anyone is aware. Lenssen thinks
of groundskeepers Pete Dykstra and Gene Van Beek preceding him, but not outlasting him. And now with another fair approaching in 2026, it’s complete attention to all the details of prepping every aspect of the 65 acres of grounds and buildings. “I have to make sure it’s ready to go,” Lenssen said. Come July and August, he is working with a crew of about eight. Together, they are cleaning, painting, mowing, weeding, repairing, irrigating, power washing, moving things, you name it. Although Lenssen may have his own project he is working on, he is mostly coordinating and directing others, answering their questions, keeping them supplied. The fair is, without question, the big focus of his job. “Every year, there is a big party, big-
gest in the county. Lots of people come. I want our facilities in prime shape when we open,” Lenssen said. He wants to see happy kids and smiling faces, people enjoying their visit to the Northwest Washington Fair. Usually there is some major project on the fairgrounds that goes beyond the scope of the NWWF staff. This year, it is Axiom Construction putting a new roof and siding on the Phillips 66 Center (former dairy barn), in the process solving a long-running ventilation problem of the building. Lenssen knows he will also be involved in the latest exciting news of the Lynden fair, that it will own and occupy the former bank building just across Continued on next page
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
Front Street and convert it into the first expanded office space for the Northwest Washington Fair in about 50 years. Speaking of change, Lenssen has witnessed a fair bit in 30 years of working on these premises (plus four more summers on security). The Henry Jansen Agricultural Center for livestock was built shortly after he started. With strong demand for horse activity, the Equine Events Center was added. The Mt. Baker Rotary Building came on board as a classy community meeting venue. Finally the long-awaited replacement of old monitor exhibit structures with the Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion building happened in 2019. Events occurring on his watch have been Lynden’s Y2K Millennial Gala, a Saturday-evening shooting that tightened up general security for the fair, and the 2016 rally of then-candidate Donald Trump in the fairgrounds grandstand. Of the latter, Lenssen said it was an intense initiation into event planning and security at the highest level with “a mass of people involved” — he was given Secret Service clearance, for one thing. What’s gone away? Well, dairy cattle showing is not what it used to be, and there’s no need to have exhibit space for grandma’s canned fruit. Lenssen works with about 30 different department heads, from quilting to flowers, rabbits to horses, “all in their own little area, all equally important,” he said. Probably the biggest operational change was the switch from a six-day fair to a 10-day fair in 2021 — right after the fair had been entirely cancelled for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For Lenssen and his crew, this also brought a “split fair” and the complete change-
We know ag you know how to pitch a product.
Dean Lenssen (center) keeps himself surrounded by a crew of as many as eight workers preparing for the fair each summer. (Cal Bratt for the Tribune)
over of certain departments at the 10-day midpoint, that is, Monday evening. In about 12 hours, the poultry department must become rabbits, dairy becomes beef, 4-H becomes FFA, and so on. In a herculean effort, all manure of one species is pitched out, a barn or space is swept and sanitized, then new loads of clean wood shaving are hauled in. Lenssen doesn’t exactly go sleepless that night, but close. His upbringing really prepared him for this job. He grew up on acreage north of Lynden, participated in 4-H and FFA, learned the basics of construction from his builder dad Byron, got some experience in landscaping, knows local people. And being at the fair was totally a summer tradition.
As he scans back across his life, he said he has "probably never missed a day of the fair.” That’s a lot of familiarity with these grounds he now manages. He likes the variety of his job, and when he stops to think about it Lenssen realizes that this whole gig is really a labor of love. Fair Manager Selena Burgess said the main thing about Lenssen is that he “has such a heart for the Northwest Washington Fair.” Although people may not see the work happening behind the scenes, they have experienced the results of his dedication over these 30 years, Burgess said. “The Northwest Washington Fair is a better place because of Dean, and I feel incredibly lucky to get to work alongside him.”
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
Judging Schedules
** Schedules are subject to change. Visit nwwfair.com for more information Thursday, Aug. 13 4-H Schedule All Day 4-H in Action at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 8-11:00 a.m. Poultry (Poultry Barn Closed for Judging) at Tractor Supply Poultry and Rabbit Barn 9 a.m. • Dog, Fitting & Showing at Small Animal Tent •Horse, Showmanship at Papé Machinery Arena 11 a.m. Llama, Costume Contest at Goat Ring Noon Family, Living Room Design Activity at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 12:30 p.m. Goat, Knowledge Bowl at Goat Ring 1-3 p.m. Horse, Public Presentations at Salish Wealth Management Horse Barn 2 p.m. Llama, Knowledge Bowl at Goat Ring 4 p.m. • Poultry, Rooster Crowing Contest at Tractor Supply Poultry and Rabbit Barn • Dog, Agility at Small Animal Tent • Dairy, Judging Contest at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena 5 p.m. Horse, In Hand Relay at
Papé Machinery Arena 6:30 p.m. Horse, Trail at Papé Machinery Arena 7 p.m. Dairy, Best Dressed Contest at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena Open Class Schedule 8-11 a.m. Poultry (Poultry Barn Closed for Judging) at Tractor Supply Poultry and Rabbit Barn 1 p.m. Heavy Horse, Adult Classes at Papé Machinery Arena
4 p.m. Poultry, Rooster Crowing Contest at Tractor Supply Poultry and Rabbit Barn Friday, Aug. 14 4-H Schedule 9 a.m. • Dog, Obedience at Small Animal Tent • Horse, Performance (Hunt Seat) at Papé Machinery Arena 10 a.m. Performing Arts at Banner Bank Festival Stage 11 a.m. • Dairy, Fitting and Showing at CHS Northwest
Beef and Dairy Arena • Llama, Fitting and Showing at Goat Ring • Horse, Pairs at Papé Machinery Arena 1 p.m. • Horse, Judging Contest at Walton Beverage Warm Up Arena • Horticulture, Garden Judging at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 2 p.m. • Poultry, Knowledge Bowl at Small Animal Tent • Llama, Obstacle Course at Goat Ring 3 p.m.
Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
47
Judging Schedules ** Schedules are subject to change. Visit nwwfair.com for more information
Food Activities, On the Spot Decorating Contest at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 4 p.m. • Dog, Costume Contest at Small Animal Tent • Llama, Judging at Goat Ring 4:15 p.m. Dog, Trick Class at Small Animal Tent 5 p.m. Horse, Gaming (Barrels & Key Pole) at Papé Machinery Arena 7 p.m. •Goat, Costume Contest at Goat Ring
• Horse, Birangle at Papé Machinery Arena 7:30 p.m. Dog, Obstacle Course at Small Animal Tent
at Small Animal Tent 7 p.m. Dairy, Old Timer Show at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena
FFA Schedule 1 p.m. Horse, Judging Contest at Walton Beverage Warm Up Arena
Saturday, Aug. 15 4-H Schedule All Day 4-H in Action at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 9 a.m. • Dog, Judging Contest at Small Animal Tent • Dairy, Holstein Type (Heifer Classes) at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena • Horse, Performance
Open Class Schedule 1 p.m. Heavy Horse, Adult Classes at Papé Machinery Arena 2 p.m. Poultry, Knowledge Bowl
(Stockseat) at Papé Machinery Arena 10 a.m. • Dog, Identification Contest at Small Animal Tent • Horse, Performance (Bareback) at Papé Machinery Arena • Performing Arts at Banner Bank Festival Stage 11 a.m. • Llama Public Relations at Goat Ring • Public Presentations, Cloverbud Show and Tell Presentations at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 1 p.m. • Poultry, Fitting & Showing at Small Animal Tent • Dairy, Holstein Type (Cow Classes) at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena • Horse, Dressage at Walton Beverage Warm Up Arena • Public Presentations at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion • Sciences, Tree Scavenger Hunt at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion • Public Presentations at Henry Jansen Ag Center 2 p.m. Llama, Skills Handler at Goat Ring 3 p.m. Goat, Driving Performance at Goat Ring Continued on next page
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Judging Schedules ** Schedules are subject to change. Visit nwwfair.com for more information 4 p.m. Llama, Packing at Goat Ring 5 p.m. • Goat, Pack Performance at Goat Ring • Horse, Gaming (Pole & 2 Barrel Flags) at Papé Machinery Arena 7 p.m. Dog, Show Highlights at Small Animal Tent Open Class Schedule 9 a.m. Dairy, Holstein Type (Heifer Classes) at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena 1 p.m. • Dairy, Holstein Type (Cow Classes) at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena • Heavy Horse, Youth Classes at Papé Machinery Arena Sunday, Aug. 16 4-H Schedule All Day 4-H in Action at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 10 a.m. Performing Arts at Banner Bank Festival Stage 11 a.m. Horse, Gaming (Figure 8 & International Flags) at Papé Machinery Arena 11:30 a.m. Dairy, Guernsey Type at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena 1 p.m.
• Goat, Pygmy Fitting & Showing at Goat Ring • Horse, Reining at Papé Machinery Arena 3 p.m. • Poultry, Drag Races at Small Animal Tent • Dairy, Brown Swiss & Other Breeds Type at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena • Horse, Performance Championship at Papé Machinery Arena 4 p.m. • Goat, Pack Fitting & Showing at Goat Ring • Food Activities, On the Spot Cooking Contest at Peoples Bank Farm
Pavilion 5 p.m. • Goat, Novelty Fitting & Showing at Goat Ring • Horse, Costume Class at Papé Machinery Arena 6 p.m. • Goat, Cloverbud Show at Goat Ring • Horse, Driving at Papé Machinery Arena Open Class Schedule 11:30 a.m. Dairy, Guernsey Type at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena 3 p.m. • Poultry, Drag Races at Small Animal Tent
• Dairy, Brown Swiss & Other Breeds Type at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena 7 p.m. Dairy, PeeWee Show at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena Monday, Aug. 17 4-H Schedule All Day 4-H in Action at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 9 a.m. Dairy, Jersey Type at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena 9:30 a.m. Poultry, Judging Contest
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Judging Schedules ** Schedules are subject to change. Visit nwwfair.com for more information
at Small Animal Tent 10 a.m. •Goat, Pygmy Type at Goat Ring • Performing Arts at Banner Bank Festival Stage 11 a.m. Horse, Fun Classes at Papé Machinery Arena 1 p.m. • Poultry, Best Dressed Contest at Small Animal Tent • Dairy, All Around Champions at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena • Horse, Grand Entry at Walton Beverage Warm Up Arena • Public Presentations
at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 3 p.m. Goat, Novelty Type at Goat Ring Open Class Schedule 9 a.m. Dairy, Jersey Type at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena 9:30 a.m. Poultry, Judging Contest at Small Animal Tent 1 p.m. Dairy, All Around Champions at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena Tuesday, Aug. 18
4-H Schedule All Day 4-H in Action at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 10 a.m. Performing Arts at Banner Bank Festival Stage 11 a.m. Public Presentations at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 1 p.m. • Poultry, FFA Poultry Fitting & Showing followed by 4-H Market Bird Fitting & Showing at Small Animal Tent • Public Presentations at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion
• Public Presentations at Henry Jansen Ag Center 1:30 PM — Beef, Best Decorated Contest at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena 1:30 p.m. Goat, FFA Meat Goat Type followed by 4-H Meat Goat Type at Goat Ring 3 p.m. • Rabbit & Cavy, FFA Rabbit & Cavy Type and 4-H Meat Rabbit Type at Small Animal Tent • Arts and Crafts, 4-H Crafters Challenge at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 4 p.m. Sheep, FFA Sheep Type followed by 4-H Sheep Type at Goat Ring 5:30 p.m. Poultry, FFA Poultry Type & 4-H Market Bird Type at Tractor Supply Poultry and Rabbit Barn FFA Schedule 1 p.m. Poultry, FFA Poultry Fitting & Showing & 4-H Market Bird Fit & Show at Small Animal Tent 1:30 p.m. Goat, FFA Meat Goat Type followed by 4-H Meat Goat Type at Goat Ring 3 p.m. Rabbit & Cavy, FFA Rabbit Type, FFA Cavy Type,
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Judging Schedules
** Schedules are subject to change. Visit nwwfair.com for more information and 4-H Market Rabbit Type at Tractor Supply Poultry and Rabbit Barn & Small Animal Tent 4 p.m. Sheep, FFA Sheep Type followed by 4-H Sheep Type at Goat Ring 5 p.m. Swine, Type at Bellingham Lock and Safe Swine Arena 5:30 p.m. Poultry, FFA Poultry Type & 4-H Market Bird Type at Tractor Supply Poultry and Rabbit Barn Open Class Schedule 3 p.m. Horse, Working Western at Papé Machinery Arena 6 p.m. Beef, Type: Black Angus & Hereford at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena Wednesday, Aug. 19 4-H Schedule All Day 4-H in Action at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 8 a.m. Rabbit & Cavy, Fitting & Showing at Small Animal Tent 9 a.m. • Sheep, FFA Sheep Fit & Show followed by 4-H Sheep Fit & Show at Goat Ring •Swine, Type at Bellingham Lock and Safe Swine Arena
10 a.m. Performing Arts at Banner Bank Festival Stage 1 p.m. • Beef, FFA Beef Type followed by 4-H Beef Type at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena • Goat, FFA Meat Goat Fit & Show followed by 4-H Meat Goat Fit & Show at Goat Ring • Public Presentations at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion • Public Presentations at Henry Jansen Ag Center 5 p.m. Swine, Fitting & Showing at Bellingham Lock and
Safe Swine Arena FFA Schedule 9 a.m. Sheep, FFA Sheep Fit & Show followed by 4-H Sheep Fit & Show at Goat Ring 11 a.m. Dairy, Cattle Fitting & Showing at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena 1 p.m. • Goat, FFA Meat Goat Fit & Show followed by 4-H Meat Goat Fit & Show at Goat Ring • Rabbit & Cavy, Fitting & Showing at Small Animal
Tent • Beef, FFA Beef Type followed by 4-H Beef Type at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena 5 p.m. Swine, Fitting & Showing at Bellingham Lock and Safe Swine Arena Open Class Schedule 8 a.m. Horse, Halter & Showmanship at Papé Machinery Arena 3 p.m. Horse, English at Papé Machinery Arena 6 p.m. Horse, Driving at Papé
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Judging Schedules ** Schedules are subject to change. Visit nwwfair.com for more information Machinery Arena Thursday, Aug. 20 4-H Schedule All Day 4-H in Action at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 6 a.m. Rabbit & Cavy, Type at Tractor Supply Poultry and Rabbit Barn 9 a.m. • Goat, FFA Dairy Goat Type followed by 4-H Dairy Goat Type at Goat Ring • Swine, Fitting and Showing at Bellingham Lock and Safe Swine
Arena 10 a.m. Performing Arts at Banner Bank Festival Stage 11 a.m. Cat, Judging Contest at Tractor Supply Dog and Cat Barn Noon Beef, 4-H Beef Fit & Show followed by FFA Beef Fit & Show at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena 1 p.m. Goat, FFA Dairy Goat Fit & Show followed by 4-H Dairy Goat Fit & Show at Goat Ring 2 p.m.
• Cat, 4-H Cat Fitting & Showing at Small Animal Tent • Food Activities, Food Judging at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 3 p.m. Arts and Crafts, Crafters Challenge at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 4:30 p.m. Public Presentations at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion FFA Schedule 6 a.m. Rabbit & Cavy, Type at Tractor Supply Poultry
and Rabbit Barn 8 a.m. Horse, All Classes at Papé Machinery Arena 9 a.m. Goat, FFA Dairy Goat Type followed by 4-H Dairy Goat Type at Goat Ring 10 a.m. Dairy, Cattle Type at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena Noon Beef, 4-H Beef Fit & Show followed by FFA Beef Fit & Show at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena 1 p.m. Goat, FFA Dairy Goat Fit & Show followed by 4-H Dairy Goat Fit & Show at Goat Ring 4 p.m. Tractor Driving, Written Test at FFA Office 5 p.m. Goat, Fitting & Showing and Type at Goat Ring Open Class Schedule 6 a.m. Rabbit & Cavy, Type at Tractor Supply Poultry and Rabbit Barn 3 p.m. Horse, Western, Leadline, & Bareback at Papé Machinery Arena 5 p.m. Beef, Red Angus, Shorthorn, Simmental & Other
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Judging Schedules ** Schedules are subject to change. Visit nwwfair.com for more information Breeds at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena 6:30 p.m. Swine, PeeWee Show at Bellingham Lock and Safe Swine Arena 7 p.m. Horse, Gaming at Papé Machinery Arena
FFA Schedule 10 a.m. Tractor Driving, Driving Test at Papé Machinery Arena 1 p.m. Lynden Junior Livestock Sale at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena
Friday, Aug. 21 4-H Schedule All Day 4-H in Action at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 9 a.m. Rabbit, Judging at Tractor Supply Poultry and Rabbit Barn 10 a.m. Performing Arts at Banner Bank Festival Stage 11 a.m. •Cat, ID & First Aid Contest at Tractor Supply Dog and Cat Barn • Rabbit & Cavy, Cloverbud Show at Small Animal Tent 1 p.m. • Cat, Type at Small Animal Tent • Lynden Junior Livestock Sale at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena • Public Presentations at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 5 p.m. Goat, 4-H Goat Cloverbud Show followed by 4-H Best Decorated Contest at Goat Ring
Open Class Schedule 8 a.m. Horse, Open Horse at Papé Machinery Arena 3:30 p.m. Horse, Trail at Papé Machinery Arena 7:30 p.m. Horse, Gaming at Papé
Machinery Arena Saturday, Aug. 22 4-H Schedule All Day 4-H in Action at Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion 10 a.m. • Poultry, Dog, Cat, Rabbit & Cavy, 4-H Small Animal Round Robin at Small Animal Tent • 4-H & FFA Livestock Judging at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena • Goat, Sheep, 4-H & FFA Livestock Judging at Goat Ring
• Swine, 4-H & FFA Livestock Judging at Bellingham Lock and Safe Swine Arena • Performing Arts at Banner Bank Festival Stage 1 p.m. • Cat, Costume Contest at Small Animal Tent • 4-H Large Animal Round Robin at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena • Goat, Sheep, Llama, 4-H Large Animal Round Robin at Goat Ring • Swine, 4-H Large Animal Round Robin at Bellingham Lock and
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Judging Schedules ** Schedules are subject to change. Visit nwwfair.com for more information Safe Swine Arena 2:30 p.m. 4-H Livestock Awards Ceremony at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena FFA Schedule 10 a.m. • 4-H & FFA Livestock Judging at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena • Swine, 4-H & FFA Livestock Judging at Bellingham Lock and Safe Swine Arena • Goat, Sheep, 4-H & FFA Livestock Judging at Goat Ring 3:30 p.m. • FFA Large Animal Round Robin at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena • Swine, FFA Large Animal Round Robin at Bellingham Lock and Safe Swine Arena • Goat, Sheep, FFA Large Animal Round Robin at Goat Ring 4:45 p.m. FFA Awards Ceremony at CHS Northwest Beef and Dairy Arena Open Class Schedule 9 a.m. Horse, Working Pairs, Discipline Rail, & Versatility at Papé Machinery Arena 3 p.m. Horse, Costume & Gaming at Papé Machinery Arena
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YOUNG PEOPLE IN AGRICULTURE
Barnyard Kids prepare for fair showmanship
M
embers of the Barny a r d K i d s 4-H Club are spending a lot of time with their animals as they prepare to compete in showmanship at this year’s fair. The Barnyard Kids spend many hours walking and washing their animals. Barnyard Kids also feed their animals special feed so they will look good for their type competitions. Barnyard Kids 4-H Club members will compete in the fair’s dairy judging contest.
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A LIFE OF PHOTOGRAPHS
Jack Carver was passionate about the Northwest Washington Fair
Three men talk as one holds his horse at the Northwest Washington Fair, August 1950. Photographed by Jack Carver. At right, Jack Carver with his camera. (All photos courtesy Whatcom Museum)
Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
In 1995, the Bellingham Herald donated more than 50,000 of Carver’s photographs to the Whatcom Museum, many of which were of the fair
F
or close to four decades — October 1945 to August 1981 to be exact — Jack Carver was staff photographer for the Bellingham Herald. For much of that time, Carver photographed the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden. “He seemed to be at every community event, however momentous or modest, with that 4x5 Graflex Speed Graphic camera he lugged around,” said Jeff Jewell, research technician with Whatcom Museum’s Photo Archives department. Jewell recently told the Lynden Tribune that The Herald donated tens of thousands of Carver’s fair photographs to Whatcom Museum back in 1995 “and Jack Carver arrived with it.” For the next 17 years, Jewell helped Carver catalogue his negatives and prints for the museum. “Jack was a dear friend,” Jewell said. “I learned so much from him.” Carver joined the Bellingham Herald staff upon his return from England where he had been stationed since 1942 with the U.S. Army Air Corps. However, his career in newspapering actually started in 1929 as a newspaper carrier. His boss was his father — the managing editor. “Throughout his legacy career as an award-winning photojournalist, Jack took over 55,000 photos of local news events, sports and most proudly capturing local people doing ordinary yet Continued on next page
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interesting things,” his obituary, published at the Westford Funeral Home website, states. “He loved his work and said the joy of being a newspaper photographer was getting to know so many wonderful people … He loved to follow and capture community events, careers of local students, public officials, teachers, family and friends. He thought everyone’s life was an intriguing story worthy of capturing in writing and photos.” Over the next several pages, we tell Carver’s story — with help from Jewell and the Whatcom Museum — with both images and words. Many of the words in this story came from Carver in March 1980. The photographs included in this feature are among the roughly 55,000 images Carver and The Herald donated to the Whatcom Museum. The use of all photographs with this story are courtesy Whatcom Museum. We also tell Carver’s story with the help of his obituary, published at the Westford Funeral Home website. Born Dec. 5, 1917, Carver passed away on July 13, 2013. His obituary lists among his passions the Northwest Washington Fair. The following comes from Whatcom Museum’s website, the Jack Carver Collection. These are Carver’s words: “Unknowingly, full time duty began, no doubt, with my interest in a Kodak Brownie camera during the war. I sent home rolls of prints from years in England and my father, who was Herald editor, must have had something to do with my landing a job here in late October 1945. Ben Sefrit, on the management team in those days who later became publisher, was the sole photographer. He relinSee Carver on 61
Colleen Reilly, 15, and her brother Bryan, 13, await the fair with their Holstein cow on Aug. 9, 1949. Evergreen 4-H Club.
Two young girls pose with their piglets, August 1955.
Bellingham High School FFA boys and prize Jersey cow, August 1949.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
Carver: Loved to photograph the fair Continued from 58
quished the job by showing me which end of the big 4x5 Speed Graphic to use to get pictures. “My first assignment was to head to Lynden to photograph Tribune Editor Sol Lewis with a plaque he received from city hall. Surprise. The photo came out, it was used and a career was underway. “Shortly after, Bellingham High was playing Olympia at famed Battersby (Bog) Field here and I had to roam the sidelines. Wallie Lindsley needed a sport photo. Lugging a sack full of film holders, I took a bunch of photos, developed them and decided there wasn’t much there. But Don Gooding, a reporter who’d been weaned on the big camera from time to time, came to my rescue. I can still hear him as he gleefully enlarged part of a negative that showed Chuck Olson, now a local attorney, catching a pass high in the air for a TD. That was another learning experience. “One of the joys of being Herald photographer, especially in those early years when I grew up right along with the city, was getting to know so many people. And people is the name of the game in news photos. The Herald was great at promoting events, club doings, school activities and innumerable other functions perfect for pictures. With the advent of the new-breed in photojournalism and a cutting down on news-hole space in recent years, the image has changed — perhaps for the better. “Cameras have changed drastically, dropping in size from the shoulder-bending 4x5 Speed Graphic to the 2x2 square shape of the Mamiya system to the current 35mm format. With a need for more photos in the ‘70s, reporters were taking pictures, too.”
Clockwise from top left: Corny Verduin of Lynden and his sixhorse hitch exhibition at the fair, Aug. 14, 1974. Lynden dairy farmer and Fair Manager Pete Meenderinck, left, and Don Bremner, Aug. 4, 1950. Louis King (center with pin), the fair's horticulture inspector and display director, August 1949. Macushla Reilly, 10, of Ferndale, and her yearling Holstein at the fair, Aug. 20, 1953.
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JACK CARVER: A LIFE OF PHOTOGRAPHS
Clockwise from top left: Stepping carefully at the fair, Aug. 12, 1969. Linda Boxum, 14, helps Kathy VanderYacht, 5, avoid a puddle. Arthur Lutz, 11, of Sedro-Woolley receives a blue ribbon for his 6-monthold Milking Shorthorn from Mrs. Malcolm K. Johnson of Bellingham at the fair, Aug. 14, 1952. Carnival site with Ferris wheel in the background, August 1949. Bellingham Mayor Don Satterlee and Council Member Ben Sandberg on the merry-go-round at the fair, August 1949.
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JACK CARVER: A LIFE OF PHOTOGRAPHS
Clockwise from top left: Fred Polinder, Jr. and Corny Verduin (far right) handle their team’s reigns at a six-horse hitch exhibition at the fair, Aug. 15, 1974. A young girl and a young boy prepare for entry, August 1955. A girl brushes her sheep inside a stall, August 1955. Bruce William McLeod watches the carnival rides and eats a hot dog, August 1950.
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Q&A
Fair Board secretary gives back to community Tom De Hoog is one of four generations to have shown at the NWW Fair By Bill Helm Editor
B
orn and raised in Sumas, Tom De Hoog has attended the Northwest Washington Fair for as long as he can remember. Some of his earliest memories are of going to the fair with his grandfather who served on the NWWF Association Board of Directors. “I remember proudly walking around the grounds with him as he stopped every few feet to shake hands and visit with people,” said De Hoog, who this year is the board’s secretary. “Watching how much he loved the fair and its community left a lasting impression on me. I also spent countless hours in the dairy barn watching my older sister show in 4-H. The fair has always been a special part of my life.” The following is from a Q&A with Tom De Hoog: Lynden Tribune: Please talk about your involvement with the NWW Fair as a youngster. Did you show animals or art? Tom De Hoog: I have shown multiple dairy heifers at the Northwest Washington Fair through 4-H. Along the way I won fitting and showing classes, type classes and
Tom De Hoog is secretary of the Northwest Washington Fair’s board of directors. De Hoog is pictured with his three children, Grace, Vince and Oliver, who show animals at the fair as he once did. (Photo courtesy Tom De Hoog)
Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026 other awards. As I got older, I started helping my own children, nieces and nephews prepare and show cattle. Our family has been blessed with Junior Grand Champion and Supreme Champion titles, and my two oldest children have won Overall Showmanship and competed in Round Robin. We’ve also experienced years when we didn’t finish at the top and those years have been just as valuable. The fair has taught our family hard work, humility, perseverance and sportsmanship. Tribune: What does the NWW Fair mean to you? De Hoog: The Northwest Washington Fair is our home fair and every other fair I attend is compared to it. To me, it truly is the best because it combines family traditions, lifelong friendships, healthy
competition and fellowship. It’s a place where traditions are passed from one generation to the next. Tribune: Why did you first get involved with the board? De Hoog: As a child, I watched my grandpa serve on the fair board and ride on the six-horse hitch. I remember thinking that someday I wanted to be part of that, too. My grandpa was an ambassador for the fair and his love for the people and the community was obvious. Serving on the board allows me to carry on that legacy while helping ensure the fair continues to grow and thrive for future generations. Tribune: What you are responsible for doing as a NWW Fair board member? De Hoog: I currently serve as the Northwest Washington
Come home to a cool home after a long, hot day at the fair!
Fair Board secretary and also serve on the Property and Grounds Committee and the new Office Committee. I want to be an advocate for agriculture, youth showmanship and agricultural education. My goal is to help create opportunities for young people through programs like 4-H and FFA while preserving the traditions that make our fair special. Tribune: What is your day job? De Hoog: I am a commercial journeyman electrician with Valley Plumbing & Electric. I started there as an apprentice and have worked my way up over the past 16 years to become a commercial journeyman electrician. Tribune: What do you like most about your work? De Hoog: Being able to
67 provide a valuable service while meeting new people every day. I enjoy building relationships and helping solve problems for others. Tribune: Tell us something special about the NWW Fair. De Hoog: One of the things that means the most to me is realizing our family has now had four generations involved in showing at the Northwest Washington Fair. We have accumulated nearly 60 years of showing between my grandpa, my mom, myself and my three children. Being a part of a tradition that spans four decades is incredibly meaningful. It has taught our family about hard work, responsibility and serving others. I feel incredibly blessed to now give back to an organization that has given so much to me.
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SILVER REEF CASINO RESORT STAGE
Husband-and-wife team lead Flying Royals
T
he Flying Royals are an internationally recognized flying trapeze troupe founded by husband-and-wife team Justin and April Chodkowski. This year, The Flying Royals will be one of several performers at the Northwest Washington Fair in Lynden. Combining world-class aerial artistry, thrilling acrobatics and family-friendly entertainment, The Flying Royals have captivated audiences across the United States and Europe with their breathtaking performances high above the crowd. Known for their signature flying trapeze productions, spectacular aerial acts and engaging audience experiences, The Flying Royals blend traditional circus excellence with modern showmanship. Their performances have appeared at major fairs, festivals, resorts, casinos and renowned venues, including the legendary Circus Krone in Germany. Justin’s lifelong circus background began at age 9 with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, where he developed a passion for the art form that continues today. April, a former elite gymnast and graduate of Florida State University with a degree in Food Science and Nutrition, transitioned into professional circus performance in 2009 and quickly became known as a fearless and accomplished flyer. Together, they have built not only a world-class act, but a family legacy. Alongside their children, Bodhi, Levi and Zoe, they continue traveling the world, inspiring audiences through courage, dedication and the timeless magic of the circus. The Flying Royals deliver world-class aerial spectacle for fairs, festivals, resorts, casinos, corporate events and special celebrations worldwide. The Flying Royals will perform at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day of the Northwest Washington Fair at the Silver Reef Casino Resort Stage, with an extra show at noon on weekends. Each of these performances is free with fair gate admission. More about The Flying Royals at flyingroyals.com.
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FARMING FOR LIFE Welcome to the Farming for Life Experience in the Peoples Bank Farm Pavilion. The Farming for Life Experience is an exhibit that captures the past, present and future of farming in our community. It reflects on the rich history of farming in this region and also highlights the innovations in agricultural practices that have progressed farming to where it is today. By strolling through this exhibit, you'll get a first-hand look at the different types of agriculture in Whatcom County, from various crops to dairy and beyond. See a raspberry harvester simulator up close while learning about how the berries are produced. Then, grab a seat and discover fascinating facts about local dairy products. For those interested in history, discover an in-depth look at the agricultural industry over the years in Whatcom County. Plus, hear firsthand stories from local individuals who have made farming their life's purpose. Be sure to stop by and experience it for yourself. Open daily from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
HOBBIES Located in the Phillips 66 Center, the hobbies exhibit celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship of local exhibitors. From artistic creations to carefully crafted projects and collections, this exhibit offers a glimpse into the interests and passions found throughout our community. Hobbies include: Fine Arts, Grange Displays, Hobbies & Collections, Legos, Models & K’nex, and Photography.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
Barn Buddies to participate in this year's fair
V
arious memb ers of the Barn Buddies 4-H Club will enter competitions in this year's Northwest Washington Fair. Pictured are a few of those members as they prepare for the fair. At far left, Conner Curry poses with his 4-H promotion poster that he’s entering into this year’s fair. At left, Siblings Dharvin and Gurmira Aulakh check on the 4-H project that they’ll enter at the fair. Above, the Louws brothers are pictured preparing Lego exhibits.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
Get your ticket(s) to ride Funtastic Traveling Shows provides hours of Funtastic Entertainment with rides and games for fairgoers of all ages. Things to know before you go: • All-day ride passes are available online before Aug. 13 for $42. • During the 10 days of the Fair, all-day ride passes can be purchased at carnival ticket booths for $55. • Wristbands are valid for any one day of the Fair and must be redeemed by 8 p.m. For more information about Fantastic Traveling Shows, visit funtasticshows.com. NWW Fair Carnival is open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
All Creatures Barnyard Races
A
ll Creatures Barnyard Races are much more than just a pig race. Expect the unexpected, as pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, turkeys, chickens and even geese race. These shows are fun, interactive and unique as All Creatures picks audience members to be cheerleaders. Crowds are divided into color sections to root for animals wearing that color. All races are themed and fairgoers love to sing along. A person is picked from the audience to start each race as bellringer. Shows are approximately 20 minutes long and each show has 4-to-5 sets of racing animals. All Creatures Barnyard Races will take place in The Barnyard daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. For more information about All Creatures Barnyard Races, including how to bring barnyard racing, farm experiences and more to your event, go to www.jennifersallcreatures.com.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
Hell’s Belles and Crush: AC/DC, Bon Jovi tribute bands to play at the NWW Fair Continued from 26
derstruck" and many others, Hell’s Belles shuffles in various well-known hits for each show as they create memorable concerts that audiences love. For more than a decade, Crush: The Bon Jovi Concert Experience, has toured America and Canada performing the monumental hits of Bon Jovi. This premier tribute act has fans singing along to signature songs such as "Livin’ on a Prayer," "You Give Love a Bad Name," "Wanted Dead or Alive" and many others.
Each performance is carefully crafted to capture the essence of a true Bon Jovi show, offering audiences an authentic tribute concert experience. New this year is the Party Pit ticket. Concert goers can experience this show from the standing-room-only Party Pit in front of the stage, featuring a private beer garden available for Party Pit guests. Must be at least 21 to stand in the Party Pit. VIP options are also available. Grandstand reser ved tickets for Hell’s Belles and Crush: The Bon Jovi Concert Experience are $20, pre-
THE NORTHWEST’S PREMIER HISTORIC EVENT VENUE
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ferred tickets are $25, and Party Pit tickets are $30. Prices do not include gate admission, which is required and sold separately, unless purchasing VIP tickets. VIP tickets are $99 and include the buyer’s choice of a premium grandstand seat or a Party Pit ticket, selected at checkout, plus a premium parking pass, gate admission, dinner provided by Silver Reef Casino Resort and a full no-host bar. Party Pit is 21 and older and standing room only. Selections are not interchangeable. Tickets can be purchased
online at nwwafair.com/ tickets, the Fair Office, 1775 Front St., Lynden or by phone at 360-354-4111. Group ticket prices are also available. Ticket sales for the Northwest Washington Fair must be purchased through the official website, nwwafair. com, or at the Fair Office. The Fair is not responsible for tickets purchased from third-party sellers and cannot guarantee their validity or authenticity. To ensure the ticket purchased is valid, always buy directly from the Fair. Tickets are non-refundable.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
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Stone Temple Pilots: Took the 1990s by storm Continued from 10
Stone Temple Pilots released their self-titled sixth album in 2010. (Courtesy photo)
commercial hit. The band released four more studio albums – "Purple" (1994), "Tiny Music... Songs from the Vatican Gift Shop" (1996), "No. 4" (1999) and "Shangri-La Dee Da" (2001). They then released their self-titled sixth album in 2010. In 2013, the band released their debut EP, "High Rise," followed by a second self-titled album in 2018 and their latest record, "Perdida," in 2020. Grandstand reserved seats are $50, grandstand preferred seats are $65 and preferred chairs are $75. Prices do not include fair gate admission, which is required and sold separately, unless purchasing VIP tickets. VIP tickets are $205 and include the best seats in the
house, a premium parking pass, gate admission, dinner provided by Silver Reef Casino Resort and access to a full nohost bar. Tickets can be purchased online at nwwafair.com, the Fair Office, 1775 Front St., Lynden or by calling 360-354-4111. Group ticketing is also available. Ticket sales for the Northwest Washington Fair must be purchased through nwwafair. com or at the fair office. The Fair is not responsible for tickets purchased from third-party sellers and cannot guarantee their validity or authenticity. To ensure the ticket purchased is valid, always buy directly from the Fair. More about Stone Temple Pilots at stonetemplepilots. com.
TOWN
The i g u nes ap su r t i ar s t es as g a an epn he a m it Sh ut
Lynden City Hair Loves the Fair! Everson, Nooksack & Acme are happy to celebrate this year’s entertainment & participants
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DISCOUNT DAYS Sunday, Aug. 16 is Free Admission Morning and Worship All guests receive free gate admission at Gates 1 or 5 from 9-11 a.m. Worship at the Fair, a community worship service held at 10 a.m. at the Bank of the Pacific Grandstands. This service is free and open to all. Attendance at the worship service is not required to take advantage of the free morning admission. However, please note that the carnival and most vendors open at 11 a.m., although select vendors may open earlier.
Monday, Aug. 17 is First Responders Day Thursday, Aug. 13 is Community Education Day Supporting local students, educators, and classrooms across Whatcom County. Discover two ways of receiving complimentary gate admission: 1. Complimentary Admission for School Staff: Whatcom County public, private, and tribal school employees receive complimentary gate admission with valid school credentials at Gates 1 or 5 all day. 2. Donate Back-to-School Essentials and Receive Free Admission: Members of the public can get free admission by donating four school supply items from the list below at Gates 1 or 5 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Requested items: colored pencils, markers, Crayola crayons (especially jumbo size), washable tempera paint, glue sticks, and socks of all kids’ sizes, including teens. All donations will be distributed by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Whatcom County to students in Whatcom County.
Honoring those who risk it all to help others. All law enforcement officers, EMTs and firefighters with a valid ID, including their spouse and children, receive complimentary gate admission all day. Must enter through Gate 1 or 5.
Tuesday, Aug. 18 is Military Appreciation Day Saying thank you to our nation’s heroes by providing complimentary gate admission for all active duty, retired, and veteran military personnel with valid ID, including their spouse and children. Must enter through Gate 1 or 5.
Wednesday, Aug. 19 is Kids Day Arrive at Gates 1 or 5 and all kids, age 12 and under receive complimentary gate admission.
Friday, Aug. 14 is Food Drive Friday
Thursday, Aug. 20 is Western Washington University Day
Receive free gate admission from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Gates 1 or 5 with a donation of four food items (canned proteins, fruits, vegetables, dry pinto beans, rice, and pasta) to benefit the Whatcom County Food Bank Network.
All Western Washington University students, alumni, faculty, and staff with valid ID receive $2 off gate admission all day. Tickets must be purchased at Gates 1 or 5.
Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
Home. We help you make it so.
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
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Maoli: Making a name for himself Continued from 13
global streams, making him a fixture across the Pacific islands and beyond. Now carrying the pride of his people across the globe, his unique Hawaiian-country sound has driven a series of innovative albums and viral singles, including emotionally-charged covers of hits like Brett Young’s “Mercy” (18-plus million Spotify streams) and “In Case You Didn’t Know” (10-plus million Spotify streams). Now, Maoli has teamed up with hit producers Dann and David Huff to further bridge the gap between island soul and country tradition. The new album, "Last Sip of Summer" (Island Vibe Edi-
tion) is out now. Grandstand reserved tickets are $30, preferred tickets are $45 and preferred chairs are $55. Prices do not include gate admission, which is required and sold separately, unless purchasing VIP tickets. VIP tickets are $125 and include the best seats in the house, a premium parking pass, gate admission, dinner provided by Silver Reef Casino Resort and a full no-host bar. Tickets can be purchased online at nwwafair.com/tickets, the Fair Office, 1775 Front St., Lynden or at 360-3544111. Group ticket prices are also available. More about Maoli at maolimusic.com. More about the Fair at nwwafair.com.
What started as music mixed with island pop and roots reggae later transformed into a unique Hawaiian-country sound that catapulted his career to new levels. (Courtesy photo)
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
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Board of Directors
Mitch Kornelis
Matt Koetje
President
President
Secretary
John Garcia
Tom Lagreid
Lauren Meenderinck
Tarrah Jandoc
Renee Biemold
Director of Business
Director of Facility Rentals/ Vendor Coordinator
Klayton Tjoelker
Jeremy Bos
Jeff DeJong
TJ Timmermans
Steve Vander Yacht
Tresie Wiersma
Karen Occhiogrosso
Kori Vander Veen
Karina Vance
Dir. of Sponsorship and Strategic Partners
Director of Communications
Tom De Hoog
Treasurer
Year-Round Staff
Selena Burgess Manager
Lacey Vanderveen Competitive Exhibits Coord.
Front Office Coordinator
Dean Lenssen
Laurie Vis
Terry Vance
Rick Seigman
Director of Facilities and Maintenance
Maintenance
Maintenance
Caretaker
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Northwest Washington Fair Magazine 2026
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