Do the Puyallup: 125 Years of Extraordinary Stories

This year’s Taste NW is more than just mouthwatering bites - it’s about the people behind them. From hand-churned ice cream to Caribbean-inspired popsicles, these new vendors are stirring in stories, culture and heart. Get to know Sweetlee’s Ice Cream and Ma & Pops - two local teams bringing bold flavors and personal passion to every dish.

Inside Sweetlee’s cheerful ice cream truck hums a 24-quart Emery Thompson machine, handcrafting small-batch scoops with local flair. Lea Lee is the visionary behind the brand - overseeing marketing, design and operations - while her husband is the artisan churning each batch with care. What started as a dream has grown into two storefronts and a truck, all focused on quality, intentional choices and community connection. Sweetlee’s takes pride in offering vegan and non-dairy options made with seasonally fresh fruit and local ingredients whenever possible. It’s not just about the ice cream - it’s about relationships, and celebrating local flavors.

What started with an old ice cream truck on a family farm, turned into a passion project for the Sahali family - now known to local markets and events as Ma & Pops. Inspired by their roots in Trinidad & Tobago and their love for Caribbean and Southern flavors, Amanda and Tariq Sahali (aka Ma and Pops) lead production, while their kids help bring it all to life. Daughter Ani helps at events, and young Law lends a creative hand in flavor development. Their vegan popsicles - crafted with fresh ingredients and love - are more than refreshing treats; they’re a celebration of culture, family and the local farms they support.

Come taste their stories at The Taste NW—where every bite has a backstory.

Since 2012, Mattress Firm (then known as Sleep Country) has been a dedicated partner of the Washington State Fair Event Center. What began with their sponsorship of our Foster Kids Family events quickly grew into a lasting relationship rooted in community, comfort and connection. In 2013, they expanded their support and became the exclusive mattress sponsor of the Fair and presenting sponsor of our largest building, the Mattress Firm ShowPlex.

At 122,000 square feet, the Mattress Firm ShowPlex is a cornerstone of our venue. It hosts a wide variety of events year-round, from dog shows and SummerCon to shopping experiences during our Spring and State Fairs. This year at The Taste NW, the ShowPlex will be transformed into pickleball courts for our inaugural tournament, just one example of the creative, flexible use of this space.

As we celebrate our 125th anniversary, Mattress Firm is helping us give back in a big way. In partnership with the National Women’s Shelter Network and four local shelters, they’re donating 125 mattresses and platform frames—a meaningful contribution that will directly support families in need.

“We have always enjoyed sponsoring the Fair and supporting the great state of Washington!  We look forward to partnering for decades to come and continuing to pour into the local communities, connecting with its people in a meaningful way,” said Joe Sabino, VP of Events, Mattress Firm.

We’re proud to celebrate more than a decade of partnership with Mattress Firm. Their support helps us do more, give more and create unforgettable experiences—for our guests and our community.

Celebrating 125 Years of Agricultural Heritage at the Washington State Fair

As part of our 125th anniversary celebration, we’re proud to unveil a brand-new, free exhibit: Our Food, Our Farms, Our Washington — an immersive journey into the heart of our state’s agricultural legacy and future. This exhibit offers a unique opportunity to connect with the farms, fields and families that shape what we eat, how we live and the economy that sustains us.

Partnering with agricultural organizations, commodity commissions, universities and dedicated farmers from across the state, this interactive experience will take guests through the past, present and future of Washington agriculture. From historic techniques and tools that show how our ancestors worked the land, to today’s modern farming practices that bring fresh food from field to table, visitors will walk away with a deeper appreciation for the effort and innovation behind every bite.

Guests can also peek into the future with cutting-edge technologies like drones and precision agriculture, showcasing how Washington’s farmers are adapting to feed a growing world while caring for land. Whether you're a curious kid or a lifelong farm supporter, this eye-opening exhibit will spark a greater understanding of agriculture’s impact on our daily lives—and its vital role in our future.

Don’t miss this powerful new addition to the Washington State Fair, where learning, legacy and local pride come together in one unforgettable experience.