District 20 Representative Peter Abbarno
By Peter Abbarno
For the C-C Chamber of Commerce
From August 11–16, families from across Southwest Washington will gather once again for one of our region’s most treasured traditions, the Southwest Washington Fair. This year’s theme, “Ride Into History – America’s 250th Year,” celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence while honoring the history, agriculture, and communities that make our region special.
For many of us, the Fair is where memories are made. It’s where children proudly show the animals they have spent months raising through 4-H and FFA, where neighbors reconnect over fair food, where local businesses showcase their products, and where families create traditions that span generations.
The Southwest Washington Fair’s roots stretch back to the late 1800s, when local agricultural fairs showcased the region’s farming communities. Recognizing the importance of creating a permanent regional fair, the Washington State Legislature passed legislation in 1909 establishing the Southwest Washington Fair Commission and providing funding for a fairground between Centralia and Chehalis. The first Southwest Washington Fair opened later that year, making it the only fair in Washington created through an act of the Legislature to serve Southwest Washington. More than a century later, it continues to welcome families from throughout the region and remains one of Washington’s premier agricultural fairs. That regional mission remains just as important today.
Each year, more than 65,000 visitors attend the six-day event, supporting local hotels, restaurants, retailers, and countless small businesses while celebrating the agricultural and industrial heritage of Southwest Washington. The fairgrounds also serve the community year-round, hosting youth activities, educational programs, community events, and emergency response functions.
As your State Representative and Assistant Ranking Member on the House Capital Budget Committee, I have been proud to support investments that help preserve and improve facilities serving communities across our state, including our regional fairs. Just recently, we’ve been able to help modernize facilities, improve accessibility, and preserve historic buildings. The Southwest Washington Fair has benefited from these partnerships, including major restorations to the 4-H Barn, roof replacements, water infrastructure improvements, and investments to begin planning new equestrian facilities. These investments help ensure the fairground remains safe, functional, and welcoming for future generations.
Those improvements are about much more than buildings. They strengthen opportunities for young people to learn responsibility through 4-H and FFA, provide gathering spaces for community organizations, and preserve an institution that brings together people from throughout Southwest Washington regardless of background or hometown.
The Southwest Washington Fair reminds us that our greatest strength has always been our communities. Agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, small businesses, and hardworking families continue to define who we are, and the Fair showcases the very best of each.
As we celebrate this year’s theme, “Ride Into History – America’s 250th Year,” I encourage everyone to spend a day, or several days at the Fair. Support our exhibitors, thank the volunteers, cheer on our youth, and enjoy everything this remarkable tradition has to offer.
The Southwest Washington Fair isn’t just a celebration of our past. It’s an investment in our future, and one of the best reminders that the traditions bringing us together today will inspire the next generation tomorrow.
Rep. Peter Abbarno,
Peter Abbarno, Attorney and Partner at Althauser Rayan Abbarno, and State Representative in the 20th Legislative District.
