Classic Coaster Chronicles

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Welcome to Classic Coaster Chronicles, stories from the Washington State Fair. In this series, you’ll get a glimpse behind the curtain of Washington’s biggest party. The Fair began back in 1900 and has become one of the largest in the country and world. I

Washington State Fair


    • Sep 2, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 24m AVG DURATION
    • 17 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Classic Coaster Chronicles

    S2E5: Through the Eyes of a Child

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 21:53


    Return to childhood, and spend a day at the Fair with various kids as they wait in line for Fisher Scones, ride the Extreme Scream, explore SillyVille, play with reptiles and more! Also hear from 12-year-old Molly as she shares her top tips for the perfect day at the Fair.

    S2E4: The Remembrance Gallery – Paying Tribute to Japanese Americans

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 40:07


    “This happened here. Right here where they are buying their cotton candy. Where they are getting their corndog. This happened here.” In this episode, learn the history of the Puyallup Assembly Center on the Washington State Fairgrounds and hear about those involved with the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), about their experiences working on the Remembrance Gallery project.

    S2E3: What's a Froupie? Hear from a Fair Superfan

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 26:05


    What does it take to become a Fair Groupie…aka Froupie, as we endearingly call these superfans. In this episode, meet Laurie Miller as she shares her deep love of the Fair as well as her involvement in lifting up and supporting the community.

    S2E2: A New Vendor Pops onto the Scene! The Story of Lumberjack Popcorn

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 23:10


    Tune in to this episode to learn all about one of the newest staple treats of the Washington State Fair Events Center! Nate Karnes, Lumberjack Popcorn co-owner, shares the leap of faith he and his family took to launch the business in 2019.

    S2E1: Krusty Pup - Origins of a Tasty Fair Icon

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 23:05


    After a fire destroyed much of the concession area in 1970, like a phoenix from the ashes, the famous Krusty Pup was born! Hear from Mike Christensen, Sales Family Concessions owner, as he shares the company's history, future and secrets to success.

    S1E12: Changing of the Guard - The Fair welcomes its new CEO

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2022 30:10


    In the season one final episode, hear from the Washington State Fair's new CEO, Renee McClain, as she becomes the first female to lead the organization.

    S1E11: Shop ‘til You Drop

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2022 18:15


    In this episode, hear how the Fair's commercial vendors represent a gamut of products and business, large and small. Hear some stories from throughout the years from our Vendor Services Administrator. 

    S1E10: Fair Food!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2022 22:06


    In this episode, hear how some of the Fair's long-time favorite food vendors began, what keeps them going and what it takes to be able to sell and share your delicious fare…at our Fair.

    S1E9: I Love WSF!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2022 24:56


    In this episode, hear from a family who loves the Fair so much, mom and dad got married with the Giant Slide in the background. Now, the two share their fondness of the Fair with their children.

    S1E8: Fisher Scones – Sweet Success!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2022 20:54


    In this episode, hear from Mike Maher, partner/CEO of Conifer, Inc. the company behind arguably the most famous Washington State Fair food of all time. Maher shares the history of the sweet treat. During 20 days of the Fair each year, more than a million scones are sold.

    S1E7: 4-H – Engaging Youth to Reach their Fullest Potential

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2022 23:25


    In this episode, hear from today's youth who share their passion, knowledge and dreams for their work with animals and keeping agricultural relevant.

    S1E6: CEO of the State's Biggest Party – Part 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2022 30:14


    In this episode, Washington State Fair CEO Kent Hojem shares more Fair history, how important it is to keep agriculture relevant, thoughts on standing out from other year-round entertainment throughout the state and his future dreams for The Fair as he heads into retirement.

    S1E5: CEO of the State's Biggest Party – Part 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2022 19:17


    In this episode, hear from Kent Hojem, the Washington State Fair's longtime CEO as he shares a little Fair history from its humble beginnings in 1900 – to what it's like to lead the team at the single largest event in Washington.

    S1E4: Roberto The Magnificent

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2022 28:27


    In this episode, hear how a Seattle boy went from juggling fire at age 11 to spending the past three decades entertaining crowds at the Washington State Fair.

    S1E3: It's Been a Funtastic Ride

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2022 33:44


    In this episode, hear from a legend in the carnival rides & games industry. Known to have perfected the algorithm for carnival games and chances of winning, Ron Burback, Sr. shares stories from more than half a century in the business.

    S1E2: The Washington State Fair Foundation – Preserving, Educating & Improving

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2022 19:42


    In this episode, learn more about the Washington State Fair Foundation, and how it awards thousands of dollars in scholarships each year and helps create and continue ongoing educational and preservation programs at the Fair.

    S1E1: A Behind-The-Scenes Peek of Washington's Biggest Party

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2022 6:25


    Get a behind the scenes preview of our first season. The Washington State Fair began in 1900, so there are a lot of stories to share. 

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