Othello Fair starts today with livestock, exhibits and family fun
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month AGO
Children hangout at the Kid Zone at the Othello Fair, which is for children ages 7 and younger.
COURTESY PHOTO/OTHELLO FAIR
A rainbow shines over the Othello Fair. The fair will open today with volunteers spending Tuesday preparing for the arrival of around 600 animals and around 4,500 still-life projects.
OTHELLO — The Othello Fair opens its gates today as volunteers, exhibitors and vendors put the finishing touches on one of the region's largest community events.
Fair officials spent Tuesday preparing for the arrival of about 600 animals and roughly 4,500 still-life entries, including flowers, horticulture exhibits and other projects.
"Buildings are getting full right now," Othello Fair Committee member Becky Flint said.
In addition to livestock and exhibit entries, approximately 200 campers are expected on the fairgrounds this week as visitors travel to Othello for the annual event.
Tickets will be available for purchase at all fair entrances. Admission is free for children ages 5 and younger, first responders and military members. Daily admission is $5 for ages 6 to 14 and seniors 60 and older, and $8 for adults ages 15 to 59. Weekly passes are available for $15 for youth and seniors and $24 for adults.
Flint said the fair continues to focus on providing a family-friendly atmosphere and a safe place for children to enjoy the festivities.
"We pride ourselves on being the friendliest fair," Flint said.
While organizers are not highlighting a major new attraction this year, the fair will feature daily live music, roaming entertainment, livestock competitions and a dedicated Kid Zone for children 7 and younger.
One of the biggest events on opening day will be the livestock market judging, where youth exhibitors learn how their animals placed ahead of the fair's livestock sale.
Flint said what makes the Othello Fair unique is its focus on families and young people.
"It's 100% about the kids out here," she said.
As fair week begins, Flint encouraged residents from across the Columbia Basin to stop by and experience the event for themselves.
"Once you visit the Othello Fair, all roads lead back to the friendliest fair in Eastern Washington," Flint said.
The fair runs through Sunday at the Othello Fairgrounds.
A rainbow shines over the Othello Fair. The fair will open today with volunteers spending Tuesday preparing for the arrival of around 600 animals and around 4,500 still-life projects.ARTICLES BY NANCE BESTON
Ephrata community development department highlights growth, housing projects during budget workshop
EPHRATA — Major construction projects, new housing developments and long-range planning efforts have kept the City of Ephrata community development department busy over the past year, with additional growth expected in 2027. During a budget workshop Tuesday, Ron Sell, Ephrata's community development director, updated the city council on completed projects, future developments and the department's priorities for the coming year. Sell said several major projects reached completion over the past year, including the new Grant County Jail, the Microtel Hotel and the Peachtree Drive road project.
Moses Lake School District to host community conversation on school safety
MOSES LAKE — From emergency preparedness and bullying prevention to school resource officers and facility safety, the Moses Lake School District is inviting community members to learn more about the measures in place to keep students and staff safe during a community conversation scheduled for Oct. 20. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the MLSD Learning Services Center, 1620 S. Pioneer Way. Members of the district's Safety & Well-Being team will answer questions and discuss school safety efforts taking place across the district. According to Communications Director Ryan Shannon, the topic was selected because school safety consistently ranks among families' top concerns and aligns with one of the district's strategic-plan priorities.
Candidates outline priorities at Moses Lake Chamber Forum
MOSES LAKE — Candidates for Grant County auditor, assessor, superior court judge and Public Utility District commissioner shared their qualifications and priorities Monday during a candidate forum hosted by the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce. The event gave voters a chance to hear directly from candidates ahead of the November general election. Candidates discussed topics ranging from government transparency and property assessments to constitutional law and utility governance. This is the third and final part of the forum coverage. To read about legislators and the Fourth Congressional District candidate race visit: bit.ly/CBHCongressandLeg. To read about the sheriff and commissioner races visit: bit.ly/CBHSheriffandCom. To watch the full forum visit: bit.ly/MosesLakeChamberForum.