Grant County Fairgrounds: a legacy of community and celebration
The Grant County Fairgrounds recently scanned a few hundred negatives that were caught at the grounds over the last handful of decades. At one point in time, the fairgrounds had trampolines.
COURTESY PHOTO/GRANT COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
People check into the Grant County Fair in a vintage photo of the fairgrounds.
A Grant County Fairgrounds employee helps a customer at one of the food booths.
The inside of the Grant County Fairgrounds looks far different a couple of decades ago then it does currently.
People visit with one another at the old Grant County Fairgrounds office.
A person smiles for a photo in the old Grant County Fairgrounds office.
Construction workers tackle fairgrounds upkeep.
MOSES LAKE – The Grant County Fairgrounds, a cherished community hub, has stood as a testament to local traditions and agricultural heritage since its establishment in 1949, according to Fairgrounds Director Jim McKiernan. To commemorate its enduring significance, the fairgrounds recently released a collection of vintage photographs that chronicle its rich history.
The first Grant County Fair was held Sept. 27-28, 1911, in Wilson Creek. There is not a lot of information available on this original event, but it included three parades.
After that, Ephrata hosted the 1912 and 1913 fairs, according to previous reporting done by the Columbia Basin Herald.
After that, it’s a little murky on what happened between 1914 to 1919. However, in 1920, the first fair was held in Moses Lake. It was located downtown at Five Corners, where Pioneer Way, East Fifth Avenue and Wheeler Road meet.
By 1949, the Grant County Fairgrounds were built at the current location on the north side of Moses Lake.
The current grounds have had around 75 years of fairs, showcasing livestock, home arts and crafts. Over the decades, the fairgrounds evolved, accommodating a variety of events, from rodeos to concerts, thereby fostering a sense of community spirit and pride.
These vintage photographs, spanning the mid-20th century to the early 2000s, capture the fairgrounds' transformation, featuring bustling crowds and the dedication of local volunteers. They serve as a poignant reminder of the fair's role in bringing together generations, forging connections and preserving cultural heritage.
People check into the Grant County Fair in a vintage photo of the fairgrounds.
A Grant County Fairgrounds employee helps a customer at one of the food booths.
The inside of the Grant County Fairgrounds looks far different a couple of decades ago then it does currently.
People visit with one another at the old Grant County Fairgrounds office.
A person smiles for a photo in the old Grant County Fairgrounds office.
Construction workers tackle fairgrounds upkeep.