Spring, summer events are coming Just a reminder to everyone: The Fair dates, theme and grand marshals have been chosen.

The 99th annual Grant County Fair and Rodeo will be Aug. 19-23; the theme is “Reach for the Stars, Lasso the Future,” and our grand marshals are Steve and Carolyn Mullin. 

 The booth space reservation letter to vendors, commercial exhibitors, agencies and non-profits has just been mailed. If your business or group is interested in a booth and didn’t receive the letter, please call the fair office at 575-1900.

The Fair & Rodeo sponsorship information will be following soon.   We are fortunate that we have so many businesses and residents that partner with us to help put the Fair and Rodeo on each year. 

Besides planning the fair, we are preparing for the Gun & Knife Show and the Almost Spring Bazaar which will be held on March 8 and 9.  Remember to get your paid registration in for the Gun Show by Feb. 15 to receive the discount of $5 per table.  Our spaces are going quickly for the Almost Spring Bazaar, so don’t delay sending in your form if you want a table.

 The Grant County Home, Garden & Outdoor Expo will be May 17 and 18 – later than last year’s event. The later date should be much more accommodating for gardening products.

The Home Show provides an opportunity for businesses to get exposure, show new lines and to make personal contact with potential customers.

The High School Rodeo will be the same weekend as the Home Show, so that should potentially benefit exhibitors.

 We have three motorcycle groups coming this summer to the Fairgrounds.

The BMW Riders of Oregon will be returning for their ninth year June 19-22, followed by the BMW UnRally on July 8-11. The UnRally is for the BMW sport motorcyclist.  Each year they meet at a new location.  This is their first year on the West Coast.

The Oregon Moto Guzzi Association will hold its annual state rally Aug. 15-17 at the Fairgrounds. They usually have about 85-100 riders in attendance.

All of these groups have the option to camp on the Fairgrounds, but many will be staying at local hotels and RV parks, eating meals and purchasing staples and other items around the county – another good boost to our local economy.

Stephanie Walters is the manager of the Grant County Fairgrounds.