Looking to kick-start a new season, the city has authorized the Enumclaw Spring Expo.

The first-time event, planned for April 23-25 at the Expo Center, is being touted as an affordable, family-friendly venture.

Much smaller in scale than the former King County Fair, which met its demise following the 2009 edition, the Spring Expo still contains some traditional fair elements. There will be a small carnival, for example, and some favorite food vendors are being lined up.

The event is being organized by Rene Popke and Jaclyn VanHoof, the tandem responsible for the most recent downtown street fair and last fall’s Oktoberfest at the Expo Center.

Among the featured attractions, Popke said, will be more than 70 arts and crafts vendors. Also, local nurseries are being invited to set up to provide a large plant sale. Also on schedule are lawnmower races, a tractor pull, barrel racing and, thanks to the local FFA, a small petting zoo.

Entertainers will take to both a children’s stage and the main stage while a kids’ craft area will be staffed to keep the little ones busy.

Emphasizing the low-cost angle, Popke said admission will be $1 and parking will be free. Children 3 and younger will be admitted free.