According to a study funded by the Washington State Department of Agriculture, events like Pierce County’s own Washington State Fair generate nearly $400 million annually in business revenue and create thousands of jobs. The huge economic driver is also a boon for small businesses.

Just ask Mary and Randy Anderson, owners of Wicked Pie Pizza in Puyallup and Route 66 Pizza in Orting.

After sharing their delicious recipes at regional food festivals and smaller local fairs, the Andersons were approached in 2012 by the Washington State Fair concessions manager who asked if they’d like to have a booth at the Spring Fair.

“In the fair world, that’s like being called up to the major leagues,” Mary Anderson said.

Things went so well during their initial stint that they found themselves in the starting lineup when they were offered space at the fall Fair later that year.

Going to extremes 

Over the next few years, their Fair footprint grew from one pizza booth to three. When they were offered a prime spot in the Food Fair Court just below the Extreme Scream thrill ride, they were ready to do something different.

Extreme Carnival Eats has captivated customers and made a media splash. Its menu features an array of funky Fair food, including a fruity Korean cheese dog, donut smash burger, waffle Nashville hot chicken sandwich, and a French fry stuffed milkshake that’s gone viral. The creative fare has been featured on the Cooking Channel’s Carnival Eats show, in YouTube foodie videos, and on the pages of People magazine.

Local opportunities

As a vendor, Anderson has nothing but praise for the Washington State Fair and credits concessions management for helping small business owners succeed – especially ones in their own backyard.

“The Fair is really about local opportunities,” Anderson said. “Vendors don’t have big up-front costs and the fair brings the people to you. Even during the pandemic, they came up with ideas and solutions to generate business for vendors.”

Anderson has also seen the benefits beyond the Fair gates. “People visit our booths, taste our food and ask if we have a brick and mortar operation,” she said. “It’s really helped grow our business.”

Wicked insider tip: Stop by one of Anderson’s pizza booths for a big slice of pizza and a Fair souvenir cup of soda or fresh-squeezed lemonade for just $10. The Washington State Fair runs Aug. 30-Sept. 22.

Mary Anderson poses with one of her signature pizzas and celebrity chef Noah Cappe from the Food Network’s Carnival Eats television show. Anderson (and her creative carnival fare) will be featured on an episode that airs in September.