Live music, free breakfast, drink sampling all part of fair’s last weekend

The last three days of the 2015 Thurston County Fair are here, with plenty of events, rides, animals, food and drinks left for all.

The weekend portion of the fair includes more entertainment, competitions and rides, but also a free pancake breakfast and a chance to enjoy the products of local wineries, breweries and cideries.

Savor South Sound offers the opportunity to sample dozens of wines, beers and hard ciders at the fairgrounds Gazebo Green between 5-10 p.m. Friday (July 31) and Saturday.

Becca Pilcher, event coordinator for Savor South Sound, said this is the event’s third year. This year it will feature 15 local businesses: four cideries, three wineries and eight breweries. The list includes Spire Mountain Cider of Olympia, Top Rung Brewing of Lacey, Three Magnets Brewing of Olympia and Stottle Winery of Lacey.

“It helps bring awareness to these growing industries in Thurston County. It supports local businesses, local agriculture and the local economy,” Pilcher said.

Entry costs $10 — in addition to fair admission — which includes two tastings and a commemorative glass. Salmon and other items, donated by the Nisqually Indian Tribe, will be served as well.

Last year Savor South Sound hosted 250-300 people and Pilcher is hoping to top that this year.

“It’s going to be really fun,” Pilcher said. “I think people should go because they’re all Pacific Northwest businesses. They all source at least some, if not all, of the ingredients for their products from within Washington state. So this is a unique way to experience craft projects in the region and support the state agricultural economy.”

For those who are more into food than drink, a free (with paid admission) pancake breakfast will be served Saturday morning. The public is invited to join the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners for breakfast from 8:30-10 a.m. on the Gazebo Green.

Also free with admission is entertainment provided by the Live and Local concert series. South Sound artists include Backlash at 8 p.m. Friday and The Great Pretenders at 8 p.m. Saturday, both performing on the Main Stage.

Friday also is Military Appreciation Day when active-duty and retired military personnel and their families get into the fair for $2 with military ID.

Sunday is the second annual Rescue Pet Round Up from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. in the Hicks Lake Barn, where fair-goers can meet furry friends available for adoption.

This story was originally published July 30, 2015 at 7:55 AM with the headline "Live music, free breakfast, drink sampling all part of fair’s last weekend."