Construction of new pavilion to begin soon

EPHRATA — Work on a new Grant County Fairgrounds pavilion is expected to start in two weeks.

The Grant County Commissions signed a contract with Desert Development to build the 140-foot by 220-foot building next to the Ardell Pavilion. The county agreed to pay $436,384 for the new building.

The arena is part of a series of improvements at the fairgrounds, including new septic, water and electrical systems, the 4-H building and new bathrooms. The county recently completed moving Airway Drive. The roadway now loops around the parking lot. After the construction, the county had about $1.4 million left of the $12 million bond it took out to pay for the improvements.

Fairgrounds Manager Vern Cummings said the arena is going to provide the fairgrounds more space to hold shows, saying the Ardell Pavilion is often double- or triple-booked.

Cummings said the company won’t be ready to start construction for about two to three weeks, adding earlier estimates to have the building done by June haven’t changed.

“That’s what we’re shooting for,” he said. “There’s no adjustments in the prices. I’m anticipating one change. The fair facilities committee, they want a little bit steeper roof. (The company reports) it’s going to be a very minimal change.”