Othello Fair, rodeo to return next week

OTHELLO — Animals, carnival rides and all sorts of fun will descend on Othello Sept. 15-18, with the Othello Fair and Othello Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Rodeo.

The fair, which changed its name a few years ago from the Adams County Fair to the Othello Fair, began in 1966 by a group of volunteers from various cities around Adams County. During its formation, an additional fair was established in Ritzville.

In 1980, the Othello Fair became the official fair of Adams County. But in 2017, an audit revealed if the name wasn’t changed and the designation changed to an area fair, control and money of the fair could be taken from the Othello Fair Association and given to Adams County. To allow the fair to continue as it always had, the fair association changed the name to the Othello Fair.

Prior to last year’s cancelation due to COVID-19, the fair typically had 13,500 visitors, in addition to vendors, volunteers, exhibitors and entertainers.

This year’s annual fair opens at 8 a.m. each day and closes at 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, 11 p.m. on Friday and midnight on Saturday. Entry for adults is $7, children ages 7-11 are admitted for $5 and 6 and younger enter free. Military and first responders also enter for free. Weekly passes are available.

There will also be a parade at 10 a.m. Sept. 18. Registration for the parade must be mailed in by Saturday. More information about the parade can be found on the fair website at othellofair.org.

In conjunction with the fair, the Othello PRCA Rodeo will have its annual rodeo and demolition derby. The demolition derby will be at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 15. The Rodeo will be Sept. 17 and 18. More information about the rodeo can be found at othellorodeo.com.