Are you ready? Grant Co. Fair opens today

MOSES LAKE — The Grant County PUD crew had staked out their tents, and were testing the fans and misters. The cookies, cakes and breads were being evaluated by the bakery department judges. Volunteers for the Moses Lake Lions were making sure the lion ears - non-Lions may know them as elephant ears - fryer worked. The Grant Transit Authority dispensed with little displays like tables and brought a whole bus, which was parked in the commercial building. Grant County Republicans and Democrats were united in washing windows and hanging red, white and blue bunting. The Grant County Fair starts its five-day run today, and exhibitors and vendors were cleaning booths, testing equipment and otherwise getting ready Monday morning. The fair emphasizes tradition, and the bakery division judges were trying to figure out how long they’ve been judging. After some discussion Kirk Holben said it’s been 30 years for him and his wife Terri, counting the time they spent volunteering with 4H. Terri said she’s worked out a system, and pies, breads and cakes that she thinks are exceptional get set aside for consideration by the entire judging panel. “For the top of the top ribbons,” Kirk said...