If you're visiting, check out these spots:

• Buck Island (Al Borlin) City Park -- Bordered on two sides by the Skykomish River and Woods Creek, the east Monroe park is one of the three largest in the city. The 90-acre site is accessible by footbridge from nearby Lewis Street Park south of downtown or by car from Simons Road at the park's northeast end. Includes a day-only camping facility and nature center and features river fishing, a sandy beach and hiking trails.

• The Evergreen State Fair -- It's not the state fair; the name is a reference to Washington's nickname as the Evergreen state. But among county fairs, this event is consistently ranked No. 1 in Washington by the state Fair Commission. The fair will run this year from Aug. 27 through Sept. 7. It features everything from pig racing and chain-saw carving to a carnival, exhibits and pop and country music performers. The fair is preceded by two fun runs and a long parade.

• Other fairgrounds events -- The 186-acre site on U.S. Highway 2 is in use throughout the year, with craft, antique, horse, car, dog and other shows. Check the Web site at www.evergreenfair.org or call the 24-hour event information line at 425-339-3309 or 360-794-7832. For information about auto races at the Evergreen Speedway at the fairgrounds, call 206-776-2802 or 360-794-7711.

• Outdoor recreation -- The Skykomish River is popular for fishing and whitewater rafting from March through July. Nearby golf courses include the Monroe Golf Club, Blue Boy West Golf Course and Echo Falls Country Club.

• Wallace Falls State Park -- Although located in Gold Bar, east of Monroe on U.S. Highway 2, the park is a favorite weekend site for Monroe-area residents as well. The 678-acre park includes picnic areas and six campsites at the trailhead. Those making the three- to four-hour hike to the falls will be rewarded with panoramic views of the 265-foot waterfall. To find the park, follow the signs from First Street in Gold Bar.