Yakima, WASH.-- Saturday was the last day for people to see wild animals, ride the ferris wheel and taste the delicious foods of the Central Washington State Fair.
Fair representatives said opening night was slow, but that definitely didn't set the tone for the rest of the week. In fact, attendance is up over 7,000 people compared to last year.
Pat, a spokesperson for the Young Life booth said, "{Sales} Started a little bit slower, but on Wednesday, when they had the $5 day to get in for the admission it was wonderful. Actually we were slammed. We were so busy but it was great, fabulous."
Alejandra Lopez said her family is having a blast at the fair. Her son's favorite part has been riding the horses.
One thing that didn't disappoint as usual was the food. There are over 60 food vendors. The Young Life team said they've been selling barbeque at the fair for 40 years, and their sales were just as good as years prior.
"The thing that has really helped this year is we have a new sandwich," said Pat. "The big Schilly, that's twice as much meat.
The elephant ears are always a huge hit. Lopez said, "We come from the Tri-Cities for that. To come and eat and have a great time."
Yakima Police said people seemed to be on their best behavior. Between 10-15 officers patrolled the fairgrounds at all times, but police said they didn't come across as many problems compared to years past.
Sergeant Kelly Willard of the Yakima Police Department said, "I think that the community has seen our presence here, and I think as a whole everybody feels a lot safer just because there are so many of us down here in uniform."
Mark up your calendars because the dates for the 2013 state fair have already been set.
It will start Friday, September 20th and go through Sunday, September 29th.
