Vantage Pavilion & Sand Bar Marine owners

VANTAGE - Bryan Stockdale of Vantage wants Vantage to grow, and Curt Connor of Desert Aire wants his business, Sand Bar Marine of Mattawa, to grow. They are teaming to organize and promote events at Stockdale's Vantage Pavilion.

The Vantage Pavilion, a huge white structure that dominates Vantage and can be seen from Interstate 90 across the Columbia, was envisioned and conceptualized, planned and built by Stockdale and his crew over three years.

The Pavilion is 85 feet wide and 140 feet long. The crest of the structure is 42 feet high. According to Stockdale, it is approved for a capacity of 2,000 people. And there are meeting rooms in addition to the main floor.

The Pavilion has a metal frame covered with a vinyl material. The bottom 10 feet are open much of the way around to allow for natural air conditioning. It can be 90 degrees outside and still comfortable indoors.

The Pavilion floor is paved with asphalt and will sustain the weight of motor vehicles. It stretches beyond the edge of the pavilion southward to make room for outdoor barbecues. The site is bordered by a cedar railing fence usually associated with a ranch.

The Pavilion has seen a little use. There has been a Christian gathering, and Stockdale's daughter's wedding was celebrated there.

The Pavilion was built to attract people in large numbers to Vantage on a regular basis and perhaps spur new growth in the community.

The area was homesteaded by Stockdale's family in the 1930s. Later it started to take shape as an oasis for motorists making the trip from points east to Seattle or the reverse.

Stockdale was born here 52 years ago and still resides here. He has property and business here, and he'd like other people to set up shop and help make the town grow.

That's where Connor comes in. He has a boat repair and sales business in Mattawa that has grown beyond his dream. He sees opportunity for more growth by opening a paddle board, wake board, surf board and jet ski rentals and sales store in Vantage.

At the same time, Connor and Stockdale are brainstorming ideas for use of the Pavilion. They could organize events and couple them with the 200 or so campground sites Stockdale has at Vantage. There is additional camping at campgrounds the Grant County PUD has developed in close proximity.

Some of the ideas are car shows and boat shows. There is the possibility of the Ultimate Wine Festival, featuring all of the wineries of central Washington.

Another idea is a 1950s style drive-in movie theater, but indoors, tied to classic car clubs. There could be dances and concerts.

"What I need to do is find somebody who can take care of some of my work at the shop so I can work on this project," Connor said. "I can see that by involving myself here I can attract new business to Mattawa."

Connor added that he's on the lookout for an experienced event planner with ideas and organizing skills.

Meanwhile Stockdale wants the central Washington community to know that the Pavilion is available for events on a rental basis.

Interested parties may contact Stockdale or the Pavilion desk at 856-2800 or by emailing vantagedesk@gmail.com.