Enumclaw Street Fair Opens Today

It is the time of year when cotton candy and crafts come to downtown Enumclaw.

The two-day Enumclaw Street Fair kicks off Friday morning with carnival rides, games, and of course, lots of eats and drinks including corn dogs, baked potatoes, shaved ice and roasted corn.

“Really," said fair co-chair Rene Popke, “downtown comes alive.”

She’s not exaggerating.

More than 100 arts, crafts and other vendors are set up on Cole Street downtown. Enumclaw Patch is on hand, so stop on by to say hi and pick up some Patch goodies. (We're by the pony rides.)

Included in this year’s fair entertainment is an “Enumclaw Idol” contest, with 20 contestants vying for the top 10 slots from 5-8 p.m. Friday on the main stage. The 10 finalists will compete for the title – and a $100 cash prize – from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday. The fair runs 9 a.m.-8p.m. both days.

“It’s a fun event,” said Popke, who with Jaclyn Van Hoof is in her fifth year of organizing the event. “It’s a fun-filled, packed two days. “

Popke said that they are working with a new amusement company this year, so the offering of rides and games is larger than usual. There will also be a dunk tank sponsored by the Enumclaw Fire Department, and the Enumclaw Rotary’s hot-air balloon duck drop at 6 p.m. Saturday behind the library.

“It’s always fun to see the local volunteer firefighters sitting in the dunk tank,” Popke said with a laugh.

A new attraction this year is the Bubble Lagoon, at the intersection of Myrtle and Cole. Popke described it as a giant pool where individuals can crawl inside giant bubbles to move. The same man who brought last year’s hit Crazy Bike, which will be back this year, puts on the attraction.

“It’s virtually impossible to ride,” Popke said of the bike.

Another big draw is the 5K race on Saturday morning. Popke said that the run is open to family members of all ages – “from kids to seniors, and we welcome all fitness levels.”

Parking for the fair is free on the street or behind the library.

Popke said the fair traditionally draws anywhere from 9,000 to 11,000 attendees.

“These two days are a lot of fun,” she said. “Jaclyn and I are both from Enumclaw and it’s a lot of fun to see people we went to school with bringing their families down to enjoy the carnival and see all of the attractions.

“It’s just a great family even and it’s great to see the community come together and support it.”