Evergreen State Fair food drive returns with free ticket incentive

The Evergreen State Fair’s annual food drive has returned, offering donors free weekday admission tickets in exchange for nonperishable food donations benefiting the Snohomish County Food Bank Coalition.

From June 8 to July 8, community members can drop off five or more non-perishable, unexpired food items at any of eight Lee Johnson Auto Family dealerships across the region (see list below).

Or stop by the drive-thru donation event at:

• Fair Park, 4405 179th Ave. S.E., Monroe, on Saturday, July 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Angel of the Winds west parking lot or the Sultan Shindig, Saturday July 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Evergreen State Fair Booth.

According to a news release, donors will receive one free weekday admission ticket to the 2026 Evergreen State Fair for each five items donated (limit five tickets per person while supplies last). Donations benefit the Snohomish County Food Bank Coalition.

“We want to thank Lee Johnson Auto Family for making the Fair Food Drive possible. With their support we are able to give back to our community and have fun,” said Evergreen State Fair Manager, Mike Ohlsen. “The Fair Food Drive is an important tradition of the Evergreen State Fair.”

Last year, the food drive collected more than 18,000 pounds of food for families in need. This year, the Fair team hopes to break that record.

“This event is a powerful reminder that the Fair is more than just entertainment. It’s a chance to come together and lift up our community,” said Snohomish County Parks & Recreation Director Sharon Walker. “Every item donated matters. We’re proud to work with partners who care about this region as much as we do.”

Suggested donation items include:

• Baby wipes
• Hygiene products and toiletries
• Canned vegetables
• Whole-grain pasta
• Peanut butter
• Rice
• Shelf-stable milk
• Jams and jellies
• Canned meats
• Canned fruits
• Cooking staples, including flour, sugar, spices, oil and salt
• Pet food

Food donation drop-off locations:

• Lee Johnson Chevrolet, Mazda and Kia, 11845 N.E. 85th St., Kirkland
• Lee Johnson Nissan of Kirkland, 11930 124th Ave. N.E., Kirkland
• Speedway Chevrolet & RV, 16957 W. Main St., Monroe
• Lee Johnson Hyundai of Everett, 7800 Evergreen Way, Everett
• Genesis of Kirkland, 13400 N.E. 124th St., Kirkland
• Autoright Motors Bothell, 17318 Bothell Way N.E., Bothell
• Autoright Motors Lake Stevens, 2022 87th Ave. S.E., Lake Stevens
• Lee Johnson Mazda of Seattle, 8100 Lake City Way N.E., Seattle

Donations also will be accepted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 11 at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds and from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sultan Shindig.

Cash donations do not qualify for free tickets, but monetary contributions may be made directly to the Snohomish County Food Bank Coalition.

For all the latest info, head to: www.evergreenfair.org.