CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — Offering exciting live entertainment and affordable fun for the whole family, the Washington County Fair is back in a big way for its 163rd edition. Whether you’re showing off an award-worthy quilt or enjoying carnival rides with friends, there’s something for everyone.
“It’s a tradition that locals look forward to each year,” fair director Susi Lafaele said. “There’s plenty of different things to see and do for all ages.”
The 2023 fair will be held April 19-22 at Washington County Legacy Park in Hurricane. Attendees can expect many of the same attractions that have made the fair a community favorite for generations, including the nightly carnival and fireworks show.
More than 60,000 people visited the fair in 2022, and Lafaele said she’s excited to offer even more attractions, entertainment and fun for those attending this time around.
The party starts on Tuesday at 6 p.m. with the fair parade in downtown Washington City, which features county and city royalty, floats, marching bands, horses and vintage vehicles, among other attractions. Afterward, Veterans Park will host a fair kickoff event with music, inflatables, treats and giveaways.
Agricultural products such as root vegetables and lettuces will be on display, along with fine art, quilting and kids’ crafts. The food vendors, petting zoo, military wall of honor and beer garden are returning, and attendees can browse dozens of retail booths in the Grafton Exhibit Hall. The fair is also celebrating 100 years of boxing, with bouts starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
And don’t forget the live music! Find a shady spot on the grass to enjoy talented local bands each evening, or reserve your seat for the headline concert featuring platinum-selling, award-winning country music artist Chris Janson.
Janson will take the stage on Friday, April 21, at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $49 for general admission (bleacher seating) or $89 for premier admission (floor access, standing room only) and are selling quickly.
Janson’s triple-platinum breakout hit, “Buy Me a Boat,” won Country Song of the Year at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Awards, and his poignant single “Drunk Girl” was named MusicRow’s 2018 Song of the Year. Along with these hits, Southern Utah audiences can expect to hear the gold-selling No. 1 singles “Good Vibes,” “Fix a Drink” and “Done.”
“Good vibes are what he’s all about, and that’s exactly what you get when you come to the fair,” Lafaele said. “It’s all included with the price of admission.”
Admission to the fair will be free between 2-6 p.m. on Thursday only. Otherwise, general admission costs $2 per adult and $1 per child (ages 3-12) at the gate. Parking is free.
Along with the concert, tickets are required for the demolition derby ($25) and boxing ($15) on Saturday night. For $249, you can get the ultimate VIP experience, which includes premier access to the concert and demolition derby as well as catered dinner and beer. Click here for access to ticketed events.
The Washington County Fair has been an integral part of Southern Utah for over 160 years, ever since the area’s early settlers opened their homes to display agricultural products. Although the location, entertainment and displays have changed throughout the decades, one thing remains the same: the fair is an event that brings the entire community together.
View a complete schedule of events at the fair website, or call the 24/7 information hotline at 435-652-5899 to learn more.
Event details
- What: Washington County Fair.
- When: Wednesday-Saturday, April 19-22, all day.
- Where: Washington County Legacy Park, 5500 W. 700 South, Hurricane.
- Tickets: $1 for children ages 3-12; $2 for adults age 13 and over.
- Resources: Website.
Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.
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