History

From the first organized Kittitas County Fair in 1885 to the modern five day event held each Labor Day weekend, the fair has always been about agriculture. From its inception by local farmers and ranchers the fair has showcased the best that Kittitas County has to offer. With the building of the rodeo arena and the first permanent buildings on the fairgrounds in 1923, the beginnings of the permanent location for the combined County Fair and Rodeo took hold. Now, each year, as in 1923, agricultural exhibits and competitions, a four day rodeo and a gathering of Yakama Indians takes place.

To secure the fairgrounds place for the future, Kittitas County undertook a $3.5 million historic renovation of the buildings that had their beginnings over 75 years ago. The project was completed in 2001. The Fairgrounds Historic District is listed on both the Washington State and National Registers of Historic Places. A permanent Heritage Center is now housed on the Fairgrounds, showcasing all the different groups that made Kittitas County the place it is today.