Every year, more than a million people pour into the Washington State Fair (previously the Puyallup Fair) not only as a tradition, but also for the fresh and innovative experiences the fair offers, like this year's feature, Luminasia - described on the fair's website as "an exquisite take on the timeless tradition of Chinese lantern making, combining high-tech material and state-of-the art lighting and production techniques."

"It really is one of the most amazing attractions we've had in years," said Karen LaFlamme, media relations representative for the fair. "We have 40 artisans from China working on it. The theme is "East meets West," so there will be dragons and pagodas and things like the Space Needle, a ferry boat and totem poles ... it really is a magical 2-acre event."

LaFlamme emphasized that Luminasia will run for three weekends following the fair.

"It's new to the fair and new to the area," she said. "It's an attraction people will be disappointed if they don't see."

Other new highlights are the Bavarian Beer Garden and SillyVille Soda Shoppe. Also for the kiddies are two free interactive experiences: Tractor Tracks, where kids pedal antique tractors through a maze, and Crazy Worlds 5D Adventure, where participants navigate through an imaginary world while wearing 3D glasses.

The latest ride to show up at the fair is Rainier Rush, which LaFlamme described as a looping inversion coaster and "a nice contrast to the classic wooden roller coaster."

Read Nikki McCoy's full feature on the Washington State Fair in the Music and Culture section.

LINK: Washington State Fair concerts

LINK: Washington State Fair attractions

WASHINGTON STATE FAIR, Sept 6 to 22, Washington State Fairgrounds, 110 Ninth Ave. SW, Puyallup. Cost is $9 to $12.50; 5 and younger free. For more information, visit www.thefair.com.