Fabulous Fun to be Had at the Benton Franklin Fair in Kennewick

If you haven't been to the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo, you need to go.

Get our free mobile app

I went with my co-worker and his wife. We had a blast. Of course, the big deal was the entertainment. The concert featuring Fastlane and Starship, with Mickey Thomas was awesome! Starship rocked with the crowd by performing their smash hits Jane, Sara, Nothin's Gonna' Stop Us Now, Set The Night To Music, and so many more. Growing up in the '80s, I loved Starship.

And, I learned something when we had the opportunity to interview Mickey Thomas days earlier. He's the vocalist on the song by Elvin Bishop, Fooled Around and Fell In Love. Of course, it's from 1975, a little before my time. However, I've played the song hundreds, if not thousands of times at various radio stations over the years. I always assumed it was Elvin Bishop singing. Who knew? My co-worker, Rik Mikals knew.

Before the concert, we got to explore the grounds a little.

Not one of us was brave enough for this ride.

We did really enjoy the All-Alaskan Racing Pigs.

The performance was fantastic with loads of laughs and fast pigs.

Naturally, we had to experience a fair favorite, an elephant ear from the Rotary Club.

It's fried dough covered with sugar and cinnamon. Rik's wife Megan was in heaven.

There are so many food booths and vendors. From fresh squeezed lemonade to foot-long corn dogs. I saw oysters and seafood at a booth. There really is something for everyone at the Benton Franklin Fair and Rodeo. For information, visit Bentonfranklinfair.com

We took a Ben Franklin Bus to the fair from Neil F. Lampson Stadium in Kennewick.

This was the best move ever, so affordable. For $13 you can get a ticket to the fair and a roundtrip ride. If you just want the ride, it's $1.50 each way. And, Ben Franklin Transit provides cold water if needed. I highly recommend taking a BFT shuttle.

You can get more information about ride times here.