Fate of Grant County Fair livestock show still uncertain

MOSES LAKE - Wednesday, July 15, is the last day to register for the fitting and showing portion of the livestock show and sale that is replacing the event that normally takes place during the Grant County Fair. Whether the livestock show will be allowed is still to be determined, but an online livestock sale probably will be held no matter the fate of the show.

The Grant County Fair was canceled in late May due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the efforts to combat it. Fairgrounds director Jim McKiernan said the status of the outbreak is crucial in determining the fate of the livestock show.

“The rise in cases is not boding well for our cause,” McKiernan said.

Fairgrounds officials have written a plan and submitted it to the health district, McKiernan said. Representatives from the Grant County Fair and other Eastern Washington fairs have met twice with state officials, and they are waiting to find out what will and won’t be allowed.

“The goal is to get a certified weight, evaluate the animals for market-readiness, offer a marketing opportunity and get them transported to their harvest destination,” said Sarah Smith, animal sciences specialist for WSU-Grant/Adams Extension.

Exhibitors can register online at the fairgrounds website. Exhibitors are allowed one animal, except in dairy competition, where they’re allowed two. Exhibitors must register for fitting and showing competition by July 15, and for market competition between Aug. 1 and 10.

There is no open division.

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.