Benton Franklin fair offers more ‘extreme fun’

If you want to try something a little more physical than the Tilt-A-Whirl, check out The Extreme Zone at the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo this week.

Oversized, inflatable outerwear turns people into bumper cars in the Knockerball arena, where you step into an inflatable ring to play games or simply bounce into each other.

“It’s an adrenaline-pumping fun activity,” said Rachael Garcia, who started a Tri-City Knockerball company with her husband and some friends last June.

Or hold onto your lunch when you become a human slingshot or try to make your way through the Toxic Drop inflatable obstacle course.

They are among the new features added to this year’s fair at Eastgate Park near the Davis Carnival rides. There’s also a laser tag area and a mini haunted house to preview the 2017 Scaregrounds for Halloween.

The Extreme Zone is part of a host of new attractions intended to bring in a new batch of young people who might not normally attend the annual event, said Michelle Wilson with PS Media, which is working with the fair.

“There’s something for everyone from all of the generations out here,” she said. “We’re adding new things every year to make sure we’re catering to everyone.”

Like anything new, there’s bound to be a few glitches. The state Department of Labor and Industries shut down the Toxic Drop on Tuesday because a state inspection and some insurance paperwork were not complete. But the attraction was expected to open Wednesday .

Another new addition aimed at young adults is the Big Game Room.

It features free arcade video games along with a bar. The game cabinets offer older games such as Metal Slug 2, among others. Since alcohol is being served, entry is limited to people 21 and older.

Along with the Big Game room, the Rustic Barrel Bloody Mary Bar opened its tables to those looking for a cool cocktail. The fair also combined the wine garden and taphouse into a single location so fairgoers didn’t need to choose where they wanted to enjoy an adult beverage.

The wine garden and taphouse also feature nightly entertainment provided by Richland-based cover band The Knutzen Brothers.

The fair continued to add to its family-focused amenities, as well.

As children played games and made crafts in the Kids’ Zone, weery parents took advantage of the air conditioner and comfy couches inside the Lourdes Family Rejuvenation Station next to the Kids’Zone near the animal barns.

Also new is a waiting area near the main exit for Uber riders. Staffed with folks who are able to help with the ride-share application, people can wait on a couch or chair for a ride home.

The fair continues through Saturday. Tickets for adults are $14, $5 for children 6 to 12 and seniors, and free admission for children 5 and younger.

Wednesday is Kids’ Day — ages 6 to 12 are get in $2. The Kiddies Parade begins at 10 a.m. at the front gate. The hay drive follows near the Kids’ Zone.

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts perform at 7:30 p.m. General seating is free with fair admission. Reserved seating is sold out.

The Horse Heaven Round Up starts at 7 p.m. and is free with fair admission. Reserved seating is $10.

The Davis Carnival is open noon to 11 p.m. Wristbands cost $33.

This story was originally published August 22, 2017 at 7:48 PM with the headline "Benton Franklin fair offers more ‘extreme fun’."