Do the Puyallup: 125 Years of Extraordinary Stories

Tucked beside SillyVille at both the Washington State Spring Fair and the Washington State Fair each year, Piglet Palace is more than just a charming stop—it’s a beloved, free exhibit that continues to capture hearts of all ages.

Originally known as the Sow and Litter exhibit, Piglet Palace was reimagined and relocated in 2013, as part of a Washington State Fair Foundation initiative to enhance the guest experience. Designed by longtime Fair partner and local architect Bob Bonnett, the new facility was created with families in mind. Four video monitors offer close-up views, ensuring no one misses those tender piglet snuggles—even when the Palace is bustling with excited fairgoers.

But the magic of Piglet Palace isn’t just in its adorable residents—it’s in the legacy behind them.

The Young family has been part of this tradition since the mid-1950s, when Bernadene and Howard Young first brought their pigs from the family farm to the Fair. Today, their son Ken continues the operation as a hobby farm with eight sows, carefully selecting one or two each year to make an appearance—with litters in tow!

And if you time your visit just right during the Washington State Fair, you might even witness a once-in-a-lifetime moment: a sow giving birth. It’s a powerful experience that connects guests to the agricultural roots of the Fair in the most heartwarming way.

In the photo above, another generation of Youngs stands proudly at the 2025 Spring Fair, wearing his great-grandfather Howard’s overalls—proof that the tradition is not only alive, but thriving.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong fan, Piglet Palace is a can’t-miss moment at the Fair. Stop by, say hello to the piglets and experience the joy of this snuggly, squealy and oh-so-special Fair favorite.

Big things are happening at the Gold Gate-and we’re back with an exciting update on this game-changing renovation!

Construction is moving full steam ahead, and the vision we shared earlier is really starting to take shape. During Spring Fair, guests got their first look at the new open plaza area, and the response was incredible. Visitors were quick to gather, take photos by the water feature, snap selfies with the Big WA statue and pose in front of the wall for the perfect Fair-day memory. It’s already becoming a go-to photo spot!

One of the standout features-the interactive water feature-is officially up and running! This playful addition brings a refreshing burst of energy to the entrance and adds a perfect touch of wonder for fairgoers.

Looking ahead, the full transformation will be complete by this fall, just in time for the Washington State Fair. That final phase will include the bold and iconic “W” structure out front, the high canopy and programmable lighting that will bring the entrance to life with seasonal color and flair.

And if you noticed the vibrant plant displays near the water feature at Spring Fair—those were just the beginning. That area will soon be home to personalized pavers, giving you a chance to leave your mark and support the Washington State Fair Foundation. Each custom paver will become a permanent part of this community space.

This transformation is more than a facelift, it’s the new front door to unforgettable experiences year-round. We can’t wait to show you even more this fall!

Stay tuned as we continue building something extraordinary.

The Washington State Fair has long been a place where generations gather to celebrate tradition, community and discovery. At the heart of preserving these values is the special partnership between the Washington State Fair Event Center and the Washington State Fair Foundation.

The Foundation plays a vital role in supporting the Event Center’s mission of bringing people together to create extraordinary moments. This partnership isn’t just about funding, it’s about securing the legacy of the Fair so that future generations can continue to experience the joy, connection and discovery that define it.

“Our partnership with the Event Center allows us to do what we do best-educate, preserve and improve,” says Holly Ball, Executive Director of the Washington State Fair Foundation. “Together, we’re creating opportunities for students, preserving beloved Fair traditions and making meaningful enhancements that keep the Fair experience vibrant for future generations.”

Each year, the Foundation awards hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to Washington students, including adult learners-empowering the next generation through access to education. Donations also sustain cornerstone attractions like The Traveling Farm and The Farm at SillyVille, offering hands-on learning experiences that spark curiosity and connection.

This Spring Fair, guests were introduced to a nostalgic and exciting new way to support the Foundation with the debut of The Collection, a curated boutique celebrating the beloved "Do the Puyallup" campaign. Featuring unique Fair-inspired merchandise, The Collection lets guests wear their memories with pride-while also giving back. Proceeds from every purchase benefit the Washington State Fair Foundation and its mission to enrich the Fair experience through education, scholarships and preservation.

With your support, the Washington State Fair Foundation can ensure that the Fair continues to hold a special place in hearts for generations to come.