Every year for over 100 years, the community comes together for the Kitsap Fair and Stampede.

Today we're exploring one of my favorite parts: animals.

I'm here with Ken, president of the Fair and Rodeo board.

Ken, can you tell me a bit about Kitsap Stampede?

Oh, I'd love to.

So the Kitsap Fair and Stampede Association, began in 2020.

We took it over from Kitsap County, who was operating both events at the time, and we created the nonprofit organization.

And, last year was our 75th anniversary with the PRCA, which is the professional sanctioned body for rodeo in the country.

And so we have this year, we'll have four nights a rodeo and then one day of extreme bulls.

And we attract some of the very best cowboys and cowgirls in the world.

And when I say the very best, we do attract top cowboys and cowgirls in each event.

You'll see many of them at the National Finals Rodeo in December every year, coming through little Kitsap County.

Wow.

How many folks come for the event?

Well, you know, we've got a stadium that seats about 5500 people, and it'll be full.

Wow.

It's no wonder so many people look forward to this event each year.

But that's not the only place you can see animals.

Every year you can watch the Stampede on television on the Cowboy Channel.

But this, this you have to see in person.

The youth livestock competition is one of my absolute favorites.

Right now the stalls are empty, but families prepare for it all year long.

Let's go meet one.

Okay, Hayden, tell me about Cucumber.

Cucumber is my Duroc Pig, she's about five months old.

And what is she judged on?

Like, what is she, got to do?

She’s judged on posture, and quality in the back, neck, hind legs, front legs and side.

You feel good about her?

You think she's a winner this year?

Yes.

Yeah.

This is Raisin, and she works really good.

She's about 15 years old.

Wow.

And so she'll be shown at the fair?

No, no.

Okay.

How do you take care of her?

What does she like to eat?

We give her Purina grain and alfalfa.

So Lydia, you prep for this all year long, what are the hardest animals to take care of?

Sheep.

It takes two hours to do both sheep.

The fair may come around just once a year.

But it's an all year effort and so much passion goes into it.

I'm Angela, thank you for exploring.

I'll see you.