It’s that time of year again, when the smell of cotton candy and onion burgers converge to create a strangely appealing scent, as the annual Puyallup Fair opens its doors to the public for two weeks of exhibits, rodeos, carnival rides and more.

Running from Sept. 10-26, families from throughout Western Washington and beyond will enjoy annual favorites such as the Hobby Hall and Fine Arts Show, as well as a few new attractions. This year’s newest addition, the IGX Interactive Game Experience, allows guests to play on 34 game portals featuring Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

This year, the fair is offering a number of discounted admission deals such as Military Appreciation Day on Sept. 13 and 20. Admission is free for active-duty, reserve, retired military and their dependents.

On opening day of the fair, guests can donate non-perishable food items to the FISH food bank at the gates and receive free admission, as well.

Season passes are available at Walgreens for $29 for adults and $19 for students – these tickets also include more than $400 worth of coupons to use inside the Fair.

This year, the Emerald Queen Casino is sponsoring the Best of the Fair program, allowing visitors to vote on their favorite barbecue, burger, entertainer or exhibit. Each voter is automatically entered to win box seats for four to the Heart concert on Sept. 25.

Heart is only one of the many world-class performers featured in the 2010 Puyallup Fair Concert Series, which includes classic rock legends Daryl Hall and John Oates to American Idol star Adam Lambert. For more information on this year’s lineup, visit www.thefair.com or check out these highlights of this year’s events.

HIGHLIGHTS AND MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

 

Puyallup Fair Western Rodeo Parade – Sept. 10, 10 a.m. A cattle drive down Meridian, Puyallup’s major arterial, kicks off this non-motorized parade. Equestrian drill teams, school marching bands, horse hitches, costume characters and loads of fun to kick off opening day of the Fair and the Rodeo.

 

High Dive Show: Sinbad “In Search of the Golden Pineapple” – Sept. 10-26

Come watch Sinbad and his Band of Gold Seekers in their quest to find the lost treasure of the fabled Golden Pineapple. This slapstick comedy showcases amazing dives off 3-meter boards, and 5- and 10-meter platforms. Near Paulhamus Arena.

Rodeo: Justin Boots Playoffs of the Wrangler Million Dollar Tour – Sept. 10 (1 and 6:30 p.m.), Sept. 11 (1 and 6:30 p.m.); Finals on Sept. 12 at 1 p.m.

The Puyallup Rodeo was invited back to host one of two rodeo playoffs in the country. You’ll see the top 24 cowboys and cowgirls compete in each event at each performance, vying for the highest purse in the Pacific Northwest: $540,000.

 

Foster Farms Presidential Turkey Party Tour ­– Sept. 11-12

This year Foster Farms has the great distinction of raising the 2010 Presidential Turkeys and, come November, will be presenting the National Turkey to President Barack Obama for the official Thanksgiving pardon. Check out these presidential-ready turkeys.

 

DeAnna the HypnoChick – Daily

DeAnna Nunez brings a rock star flair to a fast-pasted, stylized show like no other. This certified clinical hypnotherapist amazes and energizes audiences of all ages.

 

Leo E. Osborne Art Exhibition – Daily

This year’s special art exhibit features the work of Leo E. Osborne. Leo’s fascination with the wild side of life and the world of nature and spirit started at a young age. His studio is located on Guemes Island in the San Juans Islands.

Puyallup Fair Concert Series

 

Kenny Rogers with The Tacoma Symphony (Sept. 13, 7:30 p.m.)

Kenny Rogers has established a firm hold as an icon in American music, having charted a record in each of the last six decades. “Lady,” “Ruby Don’t Take Your Love to Town,” “The Gambler” and “She Believes in Me” are just a sampling of the titles that have drawn rock, pop, soul and country audiences over the years.

 

John Legend with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings (Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m.)

Grammy award-winning R&B artist John Legend has sold five million albums worldwide, featuring hit singles “Ordinary People,” “Used to Love U,” “So High” and “Save Room.” He has wowed audiences around the globe for his musical talent, as well as his humanitarian efforts to help end poverty. The R&B star will perform his hits along with jazz/funk band Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

 

Chris Botti and Natalie Cole (Sept. 17, 7:30 p.m.)

Chris Botti, America’s jazz trumpeter legend boasting international acclaim, takes the Puyallup Fair stage on Sept. 17, along with eight-time Grammy Award winner Natalie Cole. Botti’s 2004 mega-hit album “When I Fall In Love” made him the largest selling American instrumental artist. Cole’s canon includes such Billboard #1 hits as “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” “Inseparable” and “Our Love.”

 

Dierks Bentley (Sept. 18, 7:30 p.m.)

After selling five million copies of his studio albums, topping the charts with seven No. 1 hits including “Sideways,” “Free & Easy” and “What Was I Thinkin’?,” taking home multiple CMA and ACM awards and racking up seven Grammy nominations, platinum selling country star Dierks Bentley shows no signs of slowing down with two new projects coming in 2010. The country rocker, who has played every corner of the United States and abroad, has a full touring schedule including arenas and festivals across the country.

 

Adam Lambert with guest star Allison Iraheta (Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m.)

The confidence of performing with countless theater groups internationally paved the way for Adam Lambert’s musical career. His name catapulted to the finals in American Idol’s season eight, paving the way for a successful musical career. His debut album, “For Your Entertainment,” gave him a solid debut at No. 3 on the Billboard album chart, and maintained that status for half a year.

 

Kid Rock (Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m.)

With his latest gig hosting the CMT Awards on June 9, Kid Rock continues to keep his name in the international spotlight. Acclaimed as a top performer in the rock, pop and country arenas, Kid Rock has sold 22 million albums and received countless awards for his music, including super-hit song and video, “All Summer Long.”

Fun (and free) Activities

• Cattle Drive, Sept. 10, 10 a.m.
• White Dove Glee Release (approx. 300 birds) at Opening Ceremonies – Sept. 10, noon
• Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Large Show Arena – Sept. 10, 5:30 p.m.
• Danny Vernon – Illusion of Elvis on Coca Cola Stage
• – Sept. 10
• Chiquita Banana Cabana with Smoothie Baristas
• – Sept. 10-13, 15-20, and 22-26
• Meet Cosmo & Wanda of The Fairly OddParents in SillyVille – Sept. 13-15
• Red Hatter parade and bingo – Sept. 14 and 21
• Watch Salsa Showdown judging in Home Arts – Sept. 16, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Meet Dora the Explorer in SillyVille – Sept. 18-20
• Paradosi Christian Ballet at Fountain Plaza – Sept. 23
• Witness the Fair Scones Scone Contest judging in Home Arts, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. to noon.