'Better safe than sorry' fair closure costs nearly $100,000

MOSES LAKE - Grant County Fair Director Jerry Gingrich said the tough decision to close the fair on Tuesday afternoon because of an approaching storm cost taxpayers nearly $100,000.

The storm that passed over Moses Lake and the county's fairground did not cause any damage, according to emergency management officials.

Gingrich said that fair headliner Kristian Bush who was suppose to play that evening could not reschedule, because of other concert obligations and the money paid to him and for his amenities, a catering service during the concert and lost revenue from the six-hour early closure, cost the fair nearly $100,000.

Gingrich said neither he nor the manager for a private carnival group that has been managing carnival rides for 20 years have ever heard of the Grant County Fair closing due to inclement weather.

The closure came after the National Weather Service called Grant County officials to warn of an approaching storm that packed 60-70 mph winds and lightning heading toward the fair grounds.

"Those attending the Grant County Fair are in the path of these storms and should prepare for imminent dangerous weather conditions," the warning stated.

Gingrich said "it is very unusual for them (NWS) to call county officials and make that type of statement."

About 4 p.m. Tuesday, county commissioners met with Sheriff Tom Jones, Gingrich and Emergency Management Director Robert Schneider after receiving the weather warning and looked at three options; do nothing and hope the storm does not do any damage, take shelter at the fairgrounds or evacuate everyone immediately.

At 4:30 operators began evacuating the 8,000 people attending the fair.

"We obviously chose to evacuate everyone due the threats of severe injury to the public," Schneider said. He added a primary concern was the high winds that could have blown temporary buildings, or camping equipment onto fairgoers.

"In this case, I'd say it's better to be safe than sorry. You can't put a dollar figure on human life," Schneider said.

Sheriff's Office spokesman Kyle Foreman agreed.

"It is always the right decision when we take appropriate measures to protect human life after receiving credible information about a threat," Foreman commented.

He stated there were no reports of damage from the storm and that it lost its strength as it approached Moses Lake, "which was unforeseeable," he said.

Gingrich said some evacuees were upset because the closure shortened the free day at the fair, and the fair would not have another free day this year. He said they would allow those who bought a carnival ride pass on Tuesday to use them on Wednesday and that those who bought Kristian Bush concert tickets would be refunded.

He also wanted to thank the 90 percent of people who left the fairgrounds in a calm and orderly manner and followed officials' instructions.

"To move out 8,00 people in half an hour is a testament to the sheriff's office and the level of cooperation from the general public, we really appreciate it," he said.

He said the fair would continue as scheduled for the remainder of the week.