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.

There’s tradition along the food court too, with crews working on ice cream machines in the Block 40 booth. The Block 40 4H club is known for that ice cream, just like the Ephrata Lions are known for their hamburgers and the ice machine.

The hamburgers are cooked on what might be called a vintage machine that provides customers with flame-broiled burgers.

“The best,” said Karin Buchmann, an Ephrata Lions member who was part of the volunteer cleanup crew.

Her husband Jerry was making sure it was in working order.

“Making sure it’s fair-worthy,” Karin Buchmann said.

Admission is free today. Daily admission for the remaining four days is $10 for adults and $8 for children and seniors. Season passes are $20 for adults and $13 for children and seniors.

Cheryl Schweizer may be reached at [email protected]. Her work can also be found on the Columbia Basin Herald app which is available on iOS and Android devices. She’ll also be out and about covering the fair, so be sure to say hello if you see her there. You can also visit the Columbia Basin Herald booth to the left as you enter through the Red Gate.