Grant County Fair marks 100 years

MOSES LAKE - Wooden dollars, centennial coins and special knives help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Grant County Fair.

The fair kicks off Tuesday and ends Saturday, at the Grant County Fairgrounds, 3593 Airway Dr., Moses Lake.

To help mark the anniversary, games from earlier times are featured, for both adults and kids, explained Lucinda West, a member of the fair advisory committee.

Some may include a penny toss, where players retrieve coins from straw, and three-legged races, she said.

There is no entry fee on Tuesday, the first day of the fair.

Gates open at 10 a.m. and the carnival starts at 1 p.m.

Since there is no entry fee Tuesday, a main entertainer was brought in because community members wanted the fair to improve its entertainment.

There is a charge to see the band "Little Big Town."

Tickets cost between $20 and $35 each for the performance, which starts at 7 p.m., Tuesday.

"That's a huge difference," she said. "In this case, the (fair) ticket isn't an extra charge."

She said the fair advisory committee is new to the fair as advisors.

They are excited to be part of it.

"We support the community and were open to the suggestions made by the community," West said. "Hopefully they will see new things they hadn't seen before."

Fair exhibitors receive a reduced rate if they buy a week pass.

"It's to your advantage to exhibit," she said.

She invited everybody to the fair.

Fair Manager Vern Cummings said fair participants are allowed to park their vehicles this week, instead of a "mad dash," on the Sunday before the fair.

"This year, we're allowing people to bring their campers and motor homes all week long," Cummings said.

The extra time should allow for a slower pace and less of hectic atmosphere.

This year's carnival is bigger than ever and armbands are good for all days of the week, he said.

There is also more entertainment provided this year, which is scattered throughout the week.

Fair organizers are hoping to see attendance reach last year's numbers or higher.

The mild weather, projected at 78 to 85 degrees next week, should also help keep fairgoers and animals cool and comfortable.

He recognized that times are tough and some may not be able to afford to attend the fair.

Last year's prices to the fair were maintained and there are still reduced rates for senior citizens on Wednesday.

A highlight of the Grant County Fair is the Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo, taking place 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The Demo Derby is held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

For more information, visit www.gcfairgrounds.com/thefair.html  and www.moseslakeroundup.com/.