Grant County Fair for this year is being planned

MOSES LAKE — The 2021 Grant County Fair will have a livestock show and sale, but what else will happen during fair week is still to be determined.

What might and might not be allowed by August, the traditional month for the fair, was discussed during a meeting of the Grant County commissioners Tuesday.

The COVID-19 outbreak caused the 2020 fair to be canceled, although fair officials sponsored a livestock show for 4-H and FFA participants. Fairgrounds manager Jim McKiernan said in a separate interview he is skeptical the 2021 fair will be what he called “a normal fair.”

“We’re all seeing signs it’s not going to be a normal year,” McKiernan said. The outbreak “is not going away this year, that’s for sure.”

Circumstances could change before fair time.

“It’s very fluid right now,” he said. “Will we have a fair? Yes. More than we had last year.”

McKiernan said fair officials are planning for some food booths and vendors.

“We feel strongly we’ll be able to do outdoor dining,” he said.

Some exhibits probably will be allowed, McKiernan said, although exhibit buildings may be subject to occupancy limits.

Fair officials are looking at adding more musicians to the fair lineup, possibly setting up a third venue at the south end of the fairgrounds.

“We’re pretty confident we can socially distance the crowd,” McKiernan said, if distancing is required.

Social distancing requirements could mean cancellation of the carnival.

The campgrounds probably will be open for people who normally stay during fair week, he said.

During the meeting, Commissioner Cindy Carter asked about a reduced price for admission, if there will be fewer attractions, for the fair. McKiernan said the idea was something fair officials would consider.