Our History
The first recorded Kitsap County Fair was held in 1923 in Port Orchard. It moved to Bremerton, in 1958. In 1929, exhibitors at the Fair totaled 1,000; today there are more than 6,000, with an annual attendance of over 80,000.
In 1960, the Chief Kitsap Stampede sold stock certificates for $1 and constructed the Thunderbird Arena. When completed, it held 12,000 spectators. In the late ‘70’s, portions of the Arena were condemned. The covered grandstands were later added. Today the Arena holds 5,000 spectators and is used year-round for various events such as the Demolition Derby, Draft Horse Show, monster trucks, and more. The complex has an annual overall attendance at its various events of more than 211,000.
In January 2020, the The Kitsap Fair and Stampede Association was formed to take over the responsibility of producing the annual Kitsap Fair and Rodeo. The non-profit organization is governed by 11 appointed board members. They come with a variety of experience in business, public service and public involvement.
Unfortunately, the 2020 fair was cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus. In 2023, the Fair and Rodeo celebrated the 100th Kitsap Fair. In 2024, the Kitsap Stampede celebrated 75 years of rodeo in the county.
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Kitsap Fair & Stampede is to provide entertainment and educational events that are fun, safe, innovative; yet preserves tradition for the benefit of the greater west sound area.
VISION:
A thriving, premier organization that is successful, self-sufficient, and respected by all.
VALUES:
KFSA foundation values are honesty, professionalism, respect, effectiveness and efficiency delivered thru exceptional customer service, teamwork and common goals.
Kitsap Fair & Stampede Association
We were formed for the following purposes:
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Exclusively for educational, cultural, agricultural, horticultural, animal husbandry, equine, social and recreational purposes, including for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualifies exempt organizations under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
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To advance understanding, appreciation and appreciation of equine and livestock pursuits.
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To maintain a self-supporting annual Fair & Stampede for Kitsap County.
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To promote the Fair & Stampede through marketing and communications.
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To encourage a broad spectrum of profit and community-based participation.