Opening ceremony starts Grant County Fair

New fair flag to be displayed

GRANT COUNTY - When the Grant County Fair opens this year, it will actually open.

For the first time, the fair kicks off with an annual opening ceremony at the Kenny Ardell Pavilion in the Grant County Fairgrounds, taking place Monday at 8:30 p.m.

"It's for the kids - all youth, open class, 4-H, all exhibitors," explained Grant County Fair Board Director Casey McDowall. "We're just trying to boost up their morale and give them a good start to a long and stressful week. It's kind of an appreciation. Without them, what's fair?"

The ceremony is a parade in which the exhibiting youth participate. Outgoing seniors are also going to be recognized during the ceremony.

McDowall said she came up with the suggestion during a fair board meeting and was told, "Go for it." The same response came when she suggested creating a flag for the fair, after realizing the American flag, the state flag, an FFA flag and a 4-H flag would all be included in the procession.

So McDowall made the flag through her business, Country Fabrics.

Attendees at the event include 4-H officials and state advisors for the FFA.

The event is open to the public, but McDowall stressed Monday is the only night of the fair which is free. She is not certain how many people will be in attendance.

She hopes the kids walk away from the ceremony proud and excited, and the other people at the ceremony are proud of them.

"They should be," she said. "They work hard to get (to the fair). It's not an easy task to show an animal, paint a picture … Without them, what do we have? Half a building of adults?"

For more information on the ceremony, call McDowall at Country Fabrics at 509-765-4706.