Despite Fair Wage Increase, Admission Prices Remain the Same for 2017
Fair also adds daily discount for active duty military
Monroe, Wash., April 6, 2017 – When you think of Snohomish County’s Evergreen State Fair, you probably think of rides, iconic fair food, and the many animals you can touch and see over the twelve day stretch. What you might not know is how much positive impact the fair has on our community. The Fair, and the vendors that operate there, employ hundreds of seasonal workers, most of whom are paid minimum wage. With the enactment of the new statewide minimum wage increase, there’s a higher cost to employ these staff members: $55,788.33 more than the 2016 Fair, to be exact.
While the Evergreen State Fair will experience an increase in employment expenses, they have committed to not increasing their gate admission prices for 2017. “We strongly believe in the Mission of our Fairgrounds: to enhance our area’s quality of life by providing educational, agricultural, recreational and social opportunities. Creating fair wages for our employees is important. While it has a big impact on us financially, when you’re passionate about what you do, you find a way to make it work,” said Hal Gausman, Fair Manager.
Hiring season began on Monday for the Evergreen State Fair, and they expect to employ about 250 workers, as they do every year. Through their relationship with WorkSource Snohomish County, a third party hiring agency, another 150+ people are expected to be employed by vendors taking part in the Fair. Unlike most businesses, the Fair is able to hire a handful of 14 and 15 year olds for jobs.
“We have many kids who start out here at 14 or 15 years old and end up coming back every summer because of how much fun they have,” said Betsy Johnson, Hiring Coordinator. “Most people have such a fun time working here that word travels, and we end up hiring their siblings, parents or even their grandparents! I guess you could say it’s a family affair!”
Jobs for the 14 and 15 year olds fill up very quickly, but adults are always needed to help fill various roles. “I’m always looking to hire happy people who are excited to work. The people who work here always make new friends. It’s truly a fun place to be,” explains Johnson.
According to a report from WorkSource, over $100,000 of economic benefit was directly generated for Snohomish County last year because of their 153 hires. That is just a portion of the $23 million of annual economic impact the Evergreen State Fairgrounds contributes to the Puget Sound region.
Besides not increasing admission prices, the Evergreen State Fair also added a new daily discount for Active Military members with ID. “It’s just one small way we can say thank you to the men and women who serve our country,” said Brielle Dodge, Marketing Specialist.
Other ways the Fair is offering more affordable access for everyone is through their Early Bird Admission Special (use code APRIL at Etix.com for $7 adult admission through the month of April) and Special Admission Days which are available online.
2017 Evergreen State Fair Admission Prices
Adults $12
Youth (6-15) $8
Seniors (62-89) $8
Active Military with ID $8
Seniors (90+) Free
Kids (5 and under) Free
Learn more about the Evergreen State Fair online at EvergreenFair.org.
About Snohomish County Parks and Recreation / Evergreen State Fairgrounds
Located in Monroe, Washington Since 1949, the 193-acre Evergreen State Fairgrounds is home to the Evergreen State Fair which attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Fairgrounds includes several permanent facilities which are used year-round for Northwest horse shows, trade shows, swap meets, auto races and more. The Gary D. Weikel Events Center (a 36,000 square foot multi-purpose building); the Evergreen Speedway with its paved oval track, is the only NASCAR venue in Washington and has a 7,000-seat covered grandstand; a clear-span sporting arena that can seat 4,000, two RV areas with dump stations, and a variety of other permanent exhibition facilities.
Mission and Values of the Evergreen State Fairgrounds
The mission of the Evergreen State Fairgrounds, as a multi-purpose event facility, is to enrich the area’s quality of life by providing educational, entertainment, recreational, agricultural, commercial and social activities for the benefit of the residents and businesses of Snohomish County and surrounding communities.
Integral to our mission, the Evergreen State Fairgrounds is committed to:
- Providing a first-class venue for community celebrations and events
- Showcasing and promoting the area’s agriculture, commerce, technology and culture
- Supporting the visitor and tourism industry
- Offering a safe, clean and accessible environment for everyone
- Providing outstanding customer service
- Operating in a fiscally-responsible manner