Do the Puyallup: 125 Years of Extraordinary Stories

When the Washington State Fair opens later this month, visitors to The Cantina will be greeted by a bold, colorful new Modelo mural — the latest creation from Adam Jackson, a multidisciplinary artist whose work spans the globe but whose heart has never left the South Sound. This vibrant addition is waiting to be discovered, and Adam hopes fairgoers will stop by, soak it in and maybe even snap a photo in front of his latest masterpiece.

Born and raised in Tacoma, Adam has been a professional artist for more than a decade. As a child, his earliest creative spark came from animation, with Disney — and Donald Duck in particular — leaving a lasting impression. While his artistic journey has taken many forms, from branding and logo design to portraiture and product work, murals have increasingly become his signature medium. “You have to really diversify yourself to make it viable,” he explains, noting that his career has been built on an ability to adapt and create across styles and industries. His collaborations with tequila and other beverage brands eventually caught the attention of Modelo, who reached out after seeing his work — a connection that would lead to his latest large-scale creation right here at the Fair.

Adam’s art career has been anything but local in scope. He spent 20 years living in Japan, drawing inspiration from the country’s culture while holding onto his love of American pop culture. His murals now appear in the Netherlands, Mexico, Aspen and beyond. Still, the South Sound has always been home. For Adam, creating this mural is deeply personal — a way to contribute to a place filled with childhood memories of attending the Fair with his family. Now, he gets to share that tradition with his own children, adding his work to the Fairgrounds in a way that will inspire others for years to come.

When the gates open, be sure to make your way to The Cantina to see Adam’s Modelo mural up close. It’s more than just a wall — it’s a celebration of art, culture and community, brought to life by a hometown talent whose work now leaves its mark on the very place where his own Fair memories began.

The Washington State Fair’s midway is the product of decades of innovation, collaboration and a shared love of creating unforgettable memories. Carnival rides and games first arrived in the 1920s, with Douglas Greater Shows bringing “riding devices,” midway games and even the now-iconic 1917 Philadelphia Toboggan Carousel. Over time, visionaries like Edward Bollinger expanded the Fairway with landmark attractions, including the permanent wooden roller coaster built in 1935 (turning 90 this year!) by John A. Miller, the “father of the modern high-speed coaster.” These early partnerships laid the foundation for what would become today’s ThrillVille.

In the late 1960s, Ron and Beverly Burback joined forces with the Bollinger family, blending Ron’s expertise in games and concessions with Bollinger’s mastery of rides. Together, they founded Funtastic Traveling Shows in 1972, a company that would become the Fair’s trusted carnival partner for decades. From rebuilding after fires to modernizing operations with innovations like the FunCard ticketing system, the Burbacks and Funtastic have continuously evolved to keep the Fair’s thrills fresh, fun and safe. Their contributions have been monumental — from helping create SillyVille’s whimsical train ride to restoring the Classic Coaster in 2009, preserving one of America’s last remaining historic fairground wooden roller coasters.

Today, Ron Burback, now in his 90s, still leads the family-run Funtastic alongside his children, bringing more than 100 rides and games to the State and Spring Fairs each year. Their dedication is visible in every twist of the coaster, every sparkling midway light and every delighted smile on a rider’s face. As we look forward to another year of memories, we celebrate not just the rides and games, but the enduring partnership that helps make the Washington State Fair a place where thrills, tradition and innovation meet.

Get ready for the Washington State Fair’s newest place to gather, groove and make memories — the Fair Park & Stage presented by Pendleton Whisky. Taking over the former M Barn space, this multi-acre hub brings together open green spaces, shaded seating and the largest free entertainment stage at the Fair. Whether you’re here for toe-tapping tunes, family fun or a sunny spot to kick back with friends, Fair Park & Stage is set to be the heart of the action all Fair long.

The excitement doesn’t stop at the music. Each afternoon at 2:30 p.m., the Fair Park Stage comes alive with the Do The Puyallup party and stage show — a brand-new, high-energy experience choreographed by The Chicago Bear Honey Bears. Guests of all ages can jump in, learn the fun new dance and celebrate the nostalgia of our beloved jingle in a whole new way. And for those looking to unwind, a 21+ bar area makes it easy to sip, snack and soak in the entertainment — all in one place.

This year’s line-up is stacked with themed nights and tribute acts that are sure to keep the crowd buzzing: from Bruce Springsteen, Prince and Elton John/Billy Joel classics, to Line Dancing Nights, a Madonna-inspired 80s Girl Glam Night, a Seattle Grunge Scene tribute to Nirvana and even a 70s Funk Night honoring Earth, Wind & Fire. With music for every mood, great food and drinks, and space to relax, Fair Park & Stage is more than just a stage — it’s the Fair’s newest must-visit destination.