Record crowds enjoy annual Spring Fair

This weekend's Spring Fair/Home Show at the Grant County Fairgrounds had increased attendance and more attractions. More than 14,000 people attended during the three days, according to fair officials. "It was the most successful Spring Fair/Home Show in the eight-year history of the event produced by the Grant County Fair Association," said Al Holman, fair and facility manager.

The North Central Washington Junior Livestock Show started the event out with an intake of 206 Swine, 37 Sheep, and 19 Steers. Also participating were over 281 FFA and 4-H'ers in the Livestock and Meat Judging competitions. The Junior Livestock Show draws clubs and chapters as far away as Sumner, Spokane and Yakima.

Fairgoers enjoyed 15 Food and 60 Commercial vendors, Davis Shows NW Carnival, Renewable Energy Pavilion Sponsored by the Grant County PUD and The Home, Lawn and Garden Pavilion held in the Commercial Building. Education Seminars were open all three days.

Seminars were provided by Affordable Electric, Big Bendco Overhead Door, Chinook Lumber, and Consumer Credit Counseling Service. The Grant County PUD's Renewable Energy Pavilion provided exhibits on Solar, Wind, Hydro and Fuel Cell technology along with many energy saving displays and products.

Friday's special activities included the Extreme Dirt Drags in the Rodeo Arena sponsored by the Sand Scorpions and the first ever talent contest on the Center Field Stage. Talent show winners: Best of Show Open Class (adult), Barb Watrous of Moses Lake; Best of Show Youth, Celeste Partida of Moses Lake; Peoples Choice, Tori Morgan of Moses Lake; Most Original, Emily Brooks of Moses Lake; and the

Sweepstakes Winner was Danielle and Kelly Garman performing as the dance tea G-Force. They are from Moses Lake.

Saturday's special activities included Stallions On Parade, Lawn Mower Races, Columbia Basin Dutch Oven Society Demonstration Cook-out, and Demolition Derby sponsored by the Sand Commandos. Music came from the Old Time Fiddlers and the band Pettigrew Road.

Sunday started out with a new treasure hunt with over 100 treasurer seekers searching the south field for $800 in coins. CMB Enterprises sponsored the event and even provided a special area for the young hunters to learn and test their new skills.

Also on Sunday was a barrel race sponsored by the Columbia Basin Barrel Racing Association. The day's music entertainment was sponsored by the Zorro Radio Network, which featured such artists as Grupo Heroes, Danny Garcia, Los Sepultureros and many others.

"We are very excited with our success and are looking forward to an even bigger Spring Fair/Home Show next year," Holman said.