Project of the Month: Washington State Fair

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A Trip Back in Time to the Washington State Fair

If you've ever been to the Western Washington State Fair then I'm sure you've ventured into the restaurant to enjoy some classic and timeless fair food. Given it's size at 12,354 sq. ft. it's been a memorable beacon at the fair for many years. Recently, it went under a huge renovation to give it a revitalized and inviting look. Part of this large scale project included revisiting the signage. 

Previously, the signage at the Restaurant Pavilion was pretty basic in that it just had some channel letters spelling out "Restaurant". It certainly served it's purpose of identifying the building for many years but it was time to spice it up a bit. That's where we came in.

The inspiration for the new signage was formed from the strong feeling of nostalgia that one gets when visiting the fair. Like a time machine disguised in a giant blue ribbon pumpkin and fried dough, the fair brings us back to the good ol' days when everything seemed simpler. Not only does it provide families with an opportunity to get outside and spend some quality time together but it also provides local vendors with the opportunity to meet their prospective customers in person. In an age of ecommerce it's refreshing to be able to speak directly with who you are buying your product from.

Nostalgia, Good or Bad for Business?

When it comes to nostalgia, studies show that creating a nostalgic environment leads to a person's willingness to pay for desired objects. It makes us appreciate the little things and take our mind off of the stresses associated with money. Essentially, it loosens up the mind and makes a customer more willing to make a purchase to sustain that positive feeling they are getting through nostalgia. Our goal with this particular sign project was to tap into that feeling. It wasn't just about the bright colors and lights that of course look fun but it was also about creating a positive feeling for the passer-by's.

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Research has shown that nostalgia counteracts loneliness, boredom and anxiety. I think we can all agree that's what going to a fair is all about. It allows us to get out of the house and mingle with people that come from all sorts of backgrounds with many different interests. It's good for the soul to experience such a community focused event. Whether you're there to participate in competitions, experience the rides, or just people watch, you can't deny that feeling of nostalgia that overcomes you. For us, this wasn't just a sign but rather a piece of an experience that has us all smiling at the end of the day.

We hope that everyone had a chance to make it to the Washington State Fair this year and take a trip down memory lane. We are very honored to have played a part in that experience and can't wait until next year. Maybe by then we will have some more signs up at the fair for everyone to check out!

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