North Pole at the Fair returns with new attractions
North Pole at the Fair, presented by Images and Events at the Washington State Fair and Events Center, started its second season Nov. 14, and according to owner Steve James, his company’s reinvention of the Santa photo experience is better than ever.
“The difference from year one to year two is year one, we just tried to fill (the space),” James said. “Year two, everything has a purpose. Year two, you walk in and you say “Wow, this is really cool!”
After taking Santa photos for many years at the South Hill Mall, James’ Images and Events realized families were spending upward of two hours in long lines. Last Christmas, James’ crew partnered with the fairgrounds and North Pole at the Fair was born.
Families were able to make reservations for photos with Santa. This simple change streamlined the process. Instead of waiting in line, families could take part in fun activities. When it was their turn, their name was called.
“We built this for kids, so kids can have fun,” James said.
In 2014, 16,000 children were served and 3,400 reservations were fulfilled.
Last year, the event was housed at the Expo Hall. This year, James and his crew get the entire floor of the garden building just inside the Red Gate. James said his crew was fortunate this year to have more than three weeks to construct the North Pole village.
The North Pole village includes an elf village where children can make arts and crafts, Santa’s library, Santa’s office, Santa’s media den where children can watch a favorite Christmas movie, Santa’s workshop and Mrs. Claus’s candy store and kitchen where children can eat hot chocolate chip cookies, brownies and hot cocoa.
And Santa’s toy museum features collections of toys from local toy collectors, including G.I. Joe, He-Man, Barbie and Legos.
“Parents can let their kids play there for hours,” James said. “This is an oasis of creativity.”
Photo reservations, James said, are selling fast.
“We’ve been packed the first two days for Saturday and Sunday,” he said. “People started making reservations in October. Between now and Dec. 1 is when the majority of people will make their reservations. We’re already a big chunk of the way there.”
North Pole at the Fair will be at the Washington State Fair and Events Center through Dec. 24. Santa photo reservations can be made online at northpoleatthefair.com. General admission is $5.
This story was originally published November 25, 2015 at 9:12 AM with the headline "North Pole at the Fair returns with new attractions."