Spring. A time of new life and new beginnings. For more than 25 years, the Washington State Spring Fair has celebrated all that is wonderful about this special season. And this year, there is more to celebrate than ever before with an additional four acres of rides, food, shopping and fun.

As always, the Spring Fair will include plenty of baby farm animals, a bulb nursery, 4H and FFA exhibits, the annual Northwest Junior Livestock Show and Sale, and 325 vendors and artisans.

Along with all the traditional Spring Fair goodies, the addition of more space means the addition of some brand new attractions. Rides open for the Spring Fair include Silly Ville, the Wild Cat, a Giant Slide, and the C.P. Huntington Train ride. And more space means more food, too! A total of 72 food booths promise to tempt taste buds. Elephant ears, anyone?

Of course, the exhibits and rides and food are only part of the fun. This year's Spring Fair will feature some great new entertainment, including the Timberworks Lumberjack Show. This show features authentically costumed lumberjacks celebrating the history of the timber industry in the Pacific Northwest through ax throwing, log rolling, cross-cut sawing, hot sawing and chainsaw carving competitions.

That's not all! "Kids Can Cook" is a new interactive exhibit featuring the Kids Can Cook cooking show host Chef Dianne Linderman who will be teaching kids how to cook using "farm-fresh" ingredients. Friday evening, Jordan Rager will appear on the Showplace Stage. And Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m., the separately ticketed Inaugural Boat Bash will feature a demolition derby with cars dragging boats.

Returning to the Coca Cola Stage and the Main Stage will be a variety of acts including comedian Matt Baker, pianist Brady Goss, and the ever-popular Gothard sisters. Too busy to sit still for a concert? Strolling entertainers have you covered with bubble artistry, puppets ... even a life-like gorilla!

While the Washington State Spring Fair certainly has something for everyone, it's been designed with kids in mind. On opening day, kids up to 18 years of age are free with the donation of a non-perishable food item for the Puyallup Food Bank. The "Fun on the Farm" kids exhibit includes a petting zoo and an interactive display called "Barnyard Adventure." Just inside the Red Gate, the Tot Spot offers kids 12 and younger some booths designed just for them, featuring AG-Ventureland and free face painting.

The Kid Zone, located in the Pavilion, is all about the younger set. The winners of the annual Creative Kids exhibit are on display for all to see. "Kids Can Cook" allows junior chefs to try their hand in the kitchen. Expert gardeners will be on hand in the "Gardening for Kids" exhibit to instruct and encourage those budding green thumbs. Upstairs, visitors will find a selection of science, technology, engineering and math projects by students involved in the Puyallup school system's STEM program.

For the grownups, there's the Northwest Living and Garden Show. Sponsored by Sleep Train, it includes almost 50 vendors and, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, a visit from T.V. gardening guru Cisco Morris.

There are Monster Truck rides on Thursday, Friday and Saturday afternoon, and a Monster Truck show Friday at 7:30 p.m. followed by an exciting fireworks display at 9 p.m.

Friday is Military Appreciation Day with free admission for all disabled vets, as well as active-duty, Reserve and retired military and their dependents (with military ID). Tickets and money saving combination packages can be purchased in advance at www.thefair.com. For more information, contact the Washington State Fair office at 253.845.1771.

Washington State Spring Fair, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday, April 14; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, April 15-16; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday, April 17; Puyallup Fair Grounds, 110 9th Ave. SW, Puyallup; Advance tickets - $7.50 (adults), $6.50 (students, 6-18 years); Gate tickets - $10 (adults), $8 (students); Children 5 and under are free; 253.845.1771, www.thefair.com/spring-fair