Extension Pierce County Master Gardeners Shine at the Washington State Fair
Pierce County Master Gardeners brought exceptional energy, creativity, and expertise to the 2026 Washington State Fair in Puyallup — and fairgoers absolutely loved it. This year’s team—led by Tana Hasart, Caitlin McClellan, Maja Halloway, Mary Herem, Laurie Swan, Yu Shimizu Parker, Tiffany Keenan, Brenda O’Brien, Simone Melancon, Sarah Couture, and Mike Killen, with support from Program Coordinator Caitlin May—delivered an outstanding presence that blended education, fun, and hands‑on learning for visitors of all ages.
Across the run of the fair, Master Gardener clinicians served over 2,000 members of the public, offering science‑based gardening guidance and answering questions with warmth, clarity, and expertise. Their enthusiasm for broadening the scope of the booth paid off — the results were engaging, informative, and genuinely delightful for the public.
A Booth Designed for Discovery
This year’s booth featured an expanded array of interactive displays and learning opportunities, including:
- A children’s corner stocked with insect‑themed coloring books and crayons
- A series of garden project demonstrations, including a tomato tower, potato bin, compost bin, rain garden diorama, and mini greenhouse
- A whimsical and timely “Lady Liberty” garden figure, complete with a Master Gardener apron and gloves, honoring the fair’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States
These additions created a welcoming, hands‑on environment that invited visitors to explore, ask questions, and get inspired.
Timely Topics for Today’s Gardeners
Clinic volunteers received special training to help them address several important and timely subjects, including:
- Neonicotinoid information from Washington State Department of Agriculture
- Wildfire preparedness
- European chafer beetle
- Emerald ash borer
- Food and vegetable safety precautions
Fairgoers benefited from clear, research‑based guidance on these topics, delivered by a well‑informed and highly prepared team.
Award‑Winning Excellence
Their hard work and creativity didn’t just resonate with visitors — it impressed the judges too. The Pierce County Master Gardener booth won the Grand Prize for Best Representation of the 2026 Fair Theme, a well‑deserved recognition of the team’s thoughtful design, educational value, and joyful spirit.
A Celebration of Service and Community Impact
Pierce County Master Gardeners continue to demonstrate what makes the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program so special: a commitment to education, community service, and making gardening accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Their presence at the Washington State Fair reflects the very best of volunteer‑driven outreach — welcoming, knowledgeable, and deeply rooted in service.
Congratulations to the entire Pierce County team on an outstanding fair season and a well‑earned award. Their work made a lasting impression on thousands of visitors and showcased the power of horticultural education in action.