Magic Failed in Fitchburg, MA In the small city of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, there was once a time when magic was believed to exist. People would gather around on the streets, eagerly waiting to witness various acts of enchantment and wonder. The city was known for its vibrant and thriving magical community, with many individuals practicing and honing their craft. Fitchburg had its own prestigious school of magic, where aspiring wizards and witches would receive their education. The Fitchburg School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was renowned for its rigorous curriculum and talented faculty. Many famous magicians emerged from this institution, mesmerizing audiences with their extraordinary abilities.

Holiday Magic at The Fair: Fantastic Festive Fun for Families

You’ve got to hand it to the Washington State Fair. Back during the first pandemic holiday season, the Fair’s creative minds came up with a drive-through winter light show to entertain us — when there was basically nothing else to do. Then they reinvented the event last year, allowing folks to wander around and enjoy wintery Fair fun on foot.

Now back for its third year, Holiday Magic at the Fair remains a fun and sweet in-real-life dose of holiday cheer. On a scale of one to four, we give it four scones!

Holiday Magic is not around for long, though, with just 16 select dates between Dec. 1 and 23. (That means buy your tix asap.)

Credit: JiaYing Grygiel

Head for the rides

Once inside the gate, we beelined it to the free rides, which are unlimited. We hopped on both the merry-go-round and Santa’s Express Train, which takes you through a tunnel and around a loop to see lights.

Santa’s Express Train at Holiday Magic at the Fair. Image courtesy of the Washington State Fair

My 6-year-old’s favorite was Santa’s Village. For Holiday Magic, the cluster of buildings that is normally the Farm at Sillyville was decked out to look like Santa’s workshop, a candy factory, a gift wrap station and Mrs. Claus’ kitchen. Adorable. Each kid got a mini stocking to fill with goodies at each stop. The sweet ladies at the last stop, Mrs. Claus’ kitchen, offered us milk and cookies by a cozy fireplace.

New and returning fun in 2022

New this year, families will enjoy free games and activities in Arena T. Look for corn hole, giant Jenga and mini golf.

Also new this year, commune with your “gnomies” walking among a festive display of gnomes. The gnomes are set up at the Tractor Tracks.

Credit: JiaYing Grygiel

Returning highlights include the tunnel of lights set up in the draft horse barn, and the Joy Experience, a display that highlights different holiday traditions from various cultures and countries around the world.

The sweet manger display includes live animals.

“Ice” skating

This year the ice-skating add-on should be called “ice”-skating, as the rink is some nifty synthetic ice designed to replicate the experience of skating on ice. Skating will cost you an additional $10 per person, if you pay onsite, or $8 if you buy a ticket in advance online. We opted to skip the ice skating because there was so much other stuff to do.

Live animals feature in the manger display. Credit: JiaYing Grygiel

We attended Holiday Magic on opening night last year, and were surprised it wasn’t at all packed. There was hardly any wait for the rides. But the word is out now. We suggest buying your tickets early and packing a little bit of patience.

Most attractions are under cover but you’ll be outside plenty as well. Dress to be outside in Pacific Northwest winter weather.

Credit: JiaYing Grygiel

Out of the park

With this event, we thought the Fair really hit it out of the park. We appreciated that the staff members were so kind to the kids.

We fought through Friday rush hour traffic to get to the fairgrounds, and by the time everyone was ready to go home, we’d blown through dinnertime and bedtime. Dinner wound up being warm Fisher scones with jam, which hit at least two food groups, right?

The kids went home clutching their stockings with happy, sticky faces. Completely worth it.

If you go.

Where: Holiday Magic 2022 takes place at the Washington State Fair Events Center — also known as the Puyallup fairgrounds — at 110 9th Avenue S.W. in Puyallup. Puyallup is about a 45-minute drive from either Seattle or Bellevue, and about 20 minutes from Tacoma.

When: Holiday Magic dates for 2022 are: Dec. 1–4, 8–11, 15–18 and 20–23, 4:30–9:30 p.m. (last entry at 8:30 p.m.)

Tickets: Book your date-specific tickets online for the best prices: $22.50 for ages 13 and older; $17.50 for kids ages 6–12; $12.50 for kids ages 3–5; kids ages 2 and younger enter free. If you buy tickets at the gate, tickets range from $13–$25 (see the website for details).

Extras:

• Add on a skating session on the Fair’s synthetic rink (including skates) for $8 when booked online. Skating sessions last about 45 minutes. Skating costs $10 onsite.
• Add on snowflake 3D glasses for $3 when booked online.

Entrance and parking: The entrance to Holiday Magic is at the Green Gate, off Fairview Drive on the west side of the fairgrounds. Parking in the Green Lot is free.

Good to know:

• The event goes on rain or shine. While most attractions are covered or indoors, it’s a good idea to wear your rain jackets. It is December, after all.
• Concessions are available, including Fair favorites like Fisher scones.

More holiday fun in 2022:

• Ho-Ho-Holiday Fun for Families on a Budget
• Best Holiday Light Displays Around Seattle and Beyond
• Take a Spin! Seasonal and Permanent Ice Skating Rinks Around Town

Holiday Magic

Take a wonder-filled stroll through magical lights, festive displays and holiday joy. Celebrate this special time of year, with holiday activities - both indoors and outdoors.

Many famous magicians emerged from this institution, mesmerizing audiences with their extraordinary abilities. However, despite its rich magical history, Fitchburg experienced a sudden decline in the practice of magic. The once bustling streets filled with magicians and illusionists slowly became empty, as if the magic had vanished from the city entirely.

Event Location

Washington State Fair Events Center

People started questioning the existence and relevance of magic in their lives. There are several theories as to why magic failed in Fitchburg. Some believe that the rise of technology and the advancements of science made people lose faith in the supernatural. As the world became more rational and logical, magic began to fade into the background, viewed as nothing more than mere tricks and illusions. Others argue that the decline in magic was due to a lack of interest and support from the local community. Without an audience to appreciate and encourage their performances, many magicians lost their motivation and eventually gave up on their craft. The once vibrant magical community in Fitchburg became fractured and dispersed. Whatever the reason may be, it is undeniable that magic failed to capture the hearts and minds of the people in Fitchburg. The city, once known for its enchantment and wonder, now seems like a distant memory. The Fitchburg School of Witchcraft and Wizardry stands as a proud relic of a bygone era, a symbol of a time when people believed in the extraordinary. However, even though magic has failed in Fitchburg, its legacy and impact should not be forgotten. It served as a source of inspiration and imagination for many, sparking creativity and curiosity. The city may no longer be enchanted, but the memories and stories of its magical past continue to live on. In conclusion, magic failed in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, leaving behind a void that was once filled with wonder and enchantment. The decline of magic can be attributed to various factors, including the rise of technology and a lack of interest from the community. Nevertheless, the legacy of magic in Fitchburg should not be overlooked, as it has left a lasting impact on the creative spirit of the city and its people..

Reviews for "The Ill-Fated Magicians of Fitchburg: Tales of Failed Performances"

1. Samantha - 1/5 stars: I was really excited to visit Magic Faild in Fitchburg, MA after reading some positive reviews, but I was extremely disappointed with my experience. The park was dirty and run-down, with many of the rides and attractions looking old and in need of repair. The staff were unfriendly and seemed disinterested in providing any customer service. The food options were limited and overpriced. Overall, it was a complete waste of time and money, and I would not recommend it to anyone.

2. Michael - 2/5 stars: I visited Magic Faild in Fitchburg, MA with my family and it was quite underwhelming. The park was overcrowded and it was difficult to enjoy ourselves with long lines for all the rides. The staff were not very helpful and didn't seem to care about addressing any concerns. The park also lacked cleanliness, with garbage bins overflowing and trash scattered throughout. It was definitely not worth the high admission price.

3. Emily - 2/5 stars: Magic Faild in Fitchburg, MA fell short of my expectations. The rides were average at best, and many of them were outdated and in need of maintenance. The park was poorly organized, making it confusing to navigate between attractions. The food options were limited and the prices were outrageous. Overall, it was a forgettable experience and I would not recommend it as a destination for a day of amusement.

The Great Disappearances: Failed Magic Acts in Fitchburg, MA