Thurston County, Washington

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Thurston County Washington

County Announces 2026 Fair Dates and Mascot

October 27, 2025
image of a baby bald eagle who will serve as the mascot for the thurston county 2026 fair

CONTACT: Thomasina Cooper, Fairgrounds and Event Center Manager, 360-786-3420, or Thomasina.Cooper@co.thurston.wa.us 

Thurston County Fair Announces 2026 Dates and Mascot
Bald eagle chosen as mascot to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

LACEY, WA – The Thurston County Fair, today, announced its 2026 dates and official fair mascot – a bald eagle named Colonel Beaks. The eagle was chosen to honor America’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026. 

The 2026 Thurston County Fair will run for four action-packed days, from Thursday, July 30, through Sunday, August 2 at the Thurston County Fairgrounds in Lacey, Washington. 

In a nod to America’s 250th birthday, the fair selected its 2026 mascot, Colonel Beaks the Eagle. Col. Beaks will be a patriotic and engaging figure throughout the fair, embodying the spirit of community, agriculture, and the enduring values of the nation which marks its semiquincentennial.

“The 2026 Fair is going to be a historic event for Thurston County as we join the nation in celebrating 250 years of American independence,” said Thomasina Cooper, Thurston County Fairgrounds and Event Center Manager. “Colonel Beaks is the perfect symbol of this special occasion - an energetic and inspiring eagle who will bring a memorable, patriotic flair to our exhibits and entertainment.”

Fairgoers can look forward to the return of classic fair favorites, including exciting carnival rides, competitive livestock shows, arts and crafts exhibits, delicious fair food, and diverse live entertainment. Col. Beaks will be making daily appearances for photos and to interact with guests, particularly young fair attendees.

Event Details:

  • What: The 2026 Thurston County Fair
  • When: Thursday, July 30 – Sunday, August 2, 2026
  • Where: Thurston County Fairgrounds, 3054 Carpenter Rd SE, Lacey, WA 98503
  • Mascot: Colonel Beaks the Eagle

More details regarding daily schedules, ticket pricing, special events, and opportunities to enter fair competitions will be announced in the coming months.

Stay tuned for updates and get ready to celebrate a grand tradition and a major national milestone at the 2026 Thurston County Fair!

For more information, visit www.thurstoncountyfair.org.

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