The 169th Washington County Fair is in full swing on North McConnell Avenue in Fayetteville, and fair officials are taking proactive steps to keep families comfortable amid soaring summer temperatures. Fair President Darrell Tunstill explained that several buildings on the grounds are equipped with air conditioning, and three family safety stations offering water and cooling towels are positioned at the south, front, and middle gates.
“We have three or four buildings that have exhibits in them that have air conditioning,” Tunstill said. “We have family safety stations with water and cooling towels.” The air‑conditioned spaces include Thompson Hall and the Horticulture Building, where visitors can pause from the heat while exploring the fair’s displays.
Fairgoer Katie Killingsworth described the sweltering conditions as she arrived from her van. “It is so hot out — even just walking from the van to the building,” she said. Despite the heat, Killingsworth said her family came prepared with water bottles and a plan to visit the youth exhibits, which were a primary reason for their attendance.
In addition to the climate‑controlled halls, the fairgrounds feature picnic tables shaded by trees, giving families another option for a cooler respite. Emergency medical services, fire personnel, and police are on site to ensure safety throughout the event, which runs daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Saturday.
Parking at the fair is free, encouraging more residents from Fayetteville and surrounding Washington County communities to attend. Organizers emphasized that the combination of air‑conditioned venues, water stations, and shaded seating reflects a commitment to family safety and comfort, aligning with the fair’s long‑standing tradition of serving the local community.
Practical Tips for Fair Attendees
Visitors planning to spend the day at the Washington County Fair should consider the following:
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Take advantage of the family safety stations located at the south, front, and middle gates for water and cooling towels.
- Visit Thompson Hall or the Horticulture Building for a break from the heat.
- Use the shaded picnic tables under the trees for a relaxed lunch.
With these resources in place, the fair aims to provide a safe, enjoyable experience for families while celebrating the agricultural heritage and community spirit of Washington County.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
