Worth celebrating

To the editor -- This is in response to Bob Brock's letter about visiting the Puyallup Fair. Please do! The Puyallup is a great fair.

The Central Washington State Fair was the original State Fair of Washington and State Fair Park has been identified by many in our industry as one of the most attractive fairgrounds in the country. Our uniqueness comes from 100-plus-year-old stately buildings, abundant grass, and beautiful shade trees. We maintain these historic buildings and grounds from our operating revenues.

We're considered a cutting-edge fair, worthy of visits from fair executives from across the country. They visit annually, learning from us and taking ideas back to their own events.

We proudly offer free entertainment, grandstand and headliner acts, with Fair admission. Watch for 2008 Deals and Discounts (www.fairfun.com). See our two new feature buildings, a Rainforest Experience and an enhanced International Photography Exhibit. See Modern Living Building's $150,000 facelift! Currently, we are working on a $2 million electrical upgrade with federal Economic Development Administration matching 50 percent financial support.

Please appreciate the efforts of superintendents, volunteers, staff and directors as they work hard to make our community proud. Then, come "Celebrate What's Great" as we celebrate our 115th birthday!

GREG STEWART

President & General Manager

State Fair Park

Thicken up that skin

To the editor -- The whole idea of people being offended by being greeted with images of firearms on the old banners means they should have thicker skin as far as I'm concerned. So what if the banners did resemble firearms? Those who have rights to bear arms are proud -- and responsible. Those banners aren't going to be resold because city officials are afraid of Yakima being made fun of. Hey, no problem. If I wanted, I could make one myself, blindfolded, they are so simplistic. Yakima already has been made fun of: YakiVegas, Yak-Attack, Yak-a-crack. Where've you heroes been anyway?

VENETIA DELAFUENTE

Yakima