General Questions
What Kittitas County departments are located at the Kittitas Valley Event Center?
In addition to the Kittitas County Fair and the Kittitas Valley Event Center, the Armory also houses the Kittitas County/WSU Extension Office and 4H program, the Kittitas County Master Gardner's, and the Noxious Weed Board.
Find their websites here:
Noxious Weed Board - https://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/noxious-weeds/
Kittitas County 4-H - https://extension.wsu.edu/kittitas/youth/
Master Gardeners - https://extension.wsu.edu/kittitas/gardening/master-gardeners/
What are your hours of operation?
We are open Monday-Friday from 8:00am 12:00pm and 1:00pm-5:00pm.
Our office closed on the following holidays:
New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Native American Heritage Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
rental requirements
Aside from the contract and payment, what else is needed?
In addition to the signed original copy of the contract and payment, we will need the following items:
*Proof of liability insurance
*Room layout instructions
*Banquet permit (if alcohol will be available)
*Security contract (if alcohol will be present, or if otherwise required)
What type of insurance do I need?
Kittitas Valley Event Center requires our clients to acquire and maintain throughout their occupancy of the KVEC premises (set-up, event, dismantle) an insurance policy which covers their events.
Anyone who holds an event on the grounds must have a Commercial General Liability Policy that shall be $1,000,000 each occurrence with a minimum of $1,000,000 Products/Completed Operations and $2,000,000 General Aggregate.
*The event producer (LESSEE) shall be named insured on the policy and the Kittitas Valley Event Center shall be named certificate holder, and the “Kittitas Valley Event Center, Kittitas County, it’s agents, employees and assigns” shall be named additionally insured on all certificates.* Please inform your insurance agency to be sure they include this on the policy exactly as stated. Certificates will not be accepted without this. If alcohol is to be consumed, a liquor liability policy is required, in addition to the standard insurance requirements.
Certificates showing compliance with above requirements are to be presented at the KVEC office one month prior to event.
Where do I get a banquet permit or special occasion license?
Applying for a Banquet Permit Online: https://lcb.wa.gov/licensing/licensing-services
A banquet permit is a permit you apply for that allows the service and consumption of liquor at a private, invitation-only banquet or gathering held in a public place or business. Examples include weddings, company banquets, retirement parties, and club, organization or church events.
· What does the permit cost? Banquet permits cost $25 per day for your event, so, a three day events costs $75. Note that you will need an email address and a credit or debit card to complete this transaction. If you do not find the email with attachment in your inbox, please check your “junk” or “spam” folders before contacting WSLCB Licensing Customer Service Desk for support.
Important information about banquet permits
· All banquet permit sales are final
· No refunds will be issued
· Banquet permits are available to for-profit businesses, societies, organizations, and individuals
· Retail liquor licensees may not obtain banquet permits
· Attendance must be by invitation only
· The event may not be open or advertised to the public
· Liquor must be free of charge, or brought by individuals attending the event. No separate or additional charge may be made for liquor, and donations cannot be accepted
· The event cannot be for business promotions
· Liquor must be purchased from a retail store at full retail price
· Package deals are allowed that may include, for example, the cost of dinner, liquor and entertainment. To ensure participants receive an equal share, tickets exchangeable for drinks may be issued as part of the package price. No profit may be made from the packaged deals
· Rental facilities or halls may require a banquet permit
· You must obtain any required permits from your local authorities when you host an event in a public place
· Who do I contact with questions about banquet permits? For questions, call the Licensing Customer Service desk at (360) 664-1600 (select option 1). A customer service specialist will be happy to assist you.
A special occasion license allows a bona fide nonprofit organization to sell liquor at a specific time, date and place. Examples of events include fundraising dinners, gala events, auctions, and wine tastings.
· Cost: $60 per day, per location
· Applications available online
Special Occasion all ages outdoor event Addendum – This form is only needed if you are having an event outdoors and want minors and alcohol to co-mingle. Filing out this application does not grant you the permission to have minors in your enclosed beer garden area. If you are approved you will be notified by the Board.
· Submit your application and fee 45 days before the event to:
· Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board Licensing and Regulation Division P.O. Box 43085 Olympia, WA 98504-3085
· Available to bona fide nonprofit organizations
Who can I use for security?
Security will need to be provided by a licensed and bonded security service. At least one security staff person per 100 guests is required. These security companies provide service in the Kittitas County Area:
CMS/Starplex (509) 453-9106 www.cmsprotectsfun.com
Pacific Security (509) 662-7609 www.pacsecurity.com
Phoenix Security (509) 469-8668 http://phoenixprotectivecorp.com/
facility use and cleanup policies
What are your basic rental rules?
GROUND RULES
• All events must end by 11:00pm, no exceptions.
• Alcohol beverages: WSLCB Liquor license and security required! Post your liquor license in the area where alcohol is served. Security is required to prevent over service, consumption by underage persons, prevent alcoholic beverages from leaving the contracted/permitted room(s), and reduce or manage any incidents caused by consumption.
• Strict compliance of City of Ellensburg Noise Ordinance between 10PM and 6AM.
• Fireworks and Firearms are PROHIBITED
• Children must be supervised at all times by an adult.
• Camping: All overnight campers need to be coordinated with your camping coordinator. Those hooked-up to power and/or water, tents, and dry campers (not hooked up to power and/or water) will be charged per tent/rig per night.
• All commercial vendors must be licensed to do business in the City of Ellensburg. Contact City Clerk at 509-962-7204.
• Concessionaires and caterers must have food service permits from the Kittitas County Public Health Department, in addition to the City business license. Contact KCPHD at 962-7515
• Please respect RPZ zone and private parking areas on city streets.
• Dogs must be on leash.
• Clean up any waste from all animals including livestock and horses.
How can I decorate my space?
Decorating:
• It is OK to use poster putty or “Command” strips and hooks. NO push pins, tacks, nails, screws, or tape (absolutely no duct tape allowed) on walls, ceiling, doors, floors, counters, tables, chairs.
• No marking on walls or furniture.
• No glitter, rice, or bird seed allowed on grounds.
• No straw in carpeted rooms.
Can I use open flames, smoke machines, or outside BBQs?
• No candles or other open flame allowed due to fire system sensitivity.
• Outside BBQ: Keep all building doors and windows closed. If smoke from BBQ gets inside fire alarms will go off.
• Musical productions: Bands, DJs, etc. - No smoke or steam machines allowed due to fire systems sensitivity. You may get a fire call and be charged for setting off false alarm.
• Fire Alarms: If fire alarms go off all persons must leave building(s) immediately, NO EXCEPTIONS.
After my event, what are my cleaning responsibilities?
HALL CLEAN-UP
**Note: All lost and found items will be donated after 45 days**
• Pick up all garbage & litter from tables, chairs, and floors, place in garbage barrels.
If barrels become full, pull bag out, tie off, and set aside for staff to remove.
Additional liners will be in the bottom of the can or in the custodial closet.
Please leave bags inside building unless instructed otherwise.
• Wipe all tables.
• Remove all decorations from building, inside and outside area(s) designated on contract and/or map.
• Mop up any spills on floors.
• Clean portable bar, remove all items (including left over ice).
• By 2:00 a.m., all events must be cleaned up. All décor, catering items, etc. must be removed. Additional charges will apply (half-day rent) for anything remaining overnight.
KITCHEN & COOLER ROOM CLEAN-UP
• Make sure all appliances are OFF.
• Make sure all appliances are completely empty.
• Make sure all appliances are wiped clean, inside and out.
• Check:
1. Oven
2. Refrigerator
3. Microwave
4. Warming oven
5. Stove top
6. Dishwasher
7. Coffee urns (please don’t throw out the inner workings!)
*Not all kitchens have all appliances listed here.
• Wipe all counter surfaces.
• Sweep kitchen floor and mop if needed.
• Clean sink and remove anything left in bottom of sink.
• In Teanaway Hall, remove any and all items from cooler room, including any/all garbage, cardboard, etc. Mop up spills.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE, PLEASE:
• Remove all decorations from building, inside and outside area(s) designated on contract.
• Patrol parking area for litter.
• Close and lock all windows
• Turn off all lights
• Lock all doors
• Deposit keys in KEY DROP BOX (located at side door of Armory) There is a hole on the top of box to drop them through.
Please be courteous to other user groups that may be using the Fairgrounds and Events Center. It is the responsibility of the contracted user to inform their attendees and ensure that all policies are followed.
equine and livestock activities
What are your general rules for horse and livestock activities?
Please follow all general rules when riding in Bloom. Both Haul In Pass users and Private Ride clients need to adhere to regulations for use, as stipulated by the contract.
It is the responsibility of the renter to inform all of their group members about the rules and regulations.
KVEC requires all horse handlers on grounds to clean up animal waste after their animals. Do not leave any manure or bedding on any parking or paved surface. Deposit waste materials in the designated waste pit (by cliff). Proper waste management limits the amount of waste material entering into our storm water system.
Please do not leave animals tied to trailers, tables, or other equipment and on the lawn. Groom and tack efficiently, and return horse to designated barn, pen, or arena.
Upon exiting your event, close all gates, doors, and replace any equipment your event may have moved. Please remove all litter, supplies, and other materials used during your event.
No alcohol is permitted, unless a WSLCB permit and private security has been obtained and Event Center notified. Alcohol is never allowed while using a Haul-In Pass or renting less than 5 hours.
All children, in and outside Bloom Pavilion, must be supervised by a non-riding adult at all times.
No smoking in any barn or within 25 feet of any doorway. No candles or open flames in any building.
The Kittitas Valley Event Center is a multi-use facility and may be rented by other patrons during your stay. Please be courteous to other groups that are using the KVEC facilities.
KVEC and Bloom Pavilion are owned and operated by Kittitas County. Adhering to the above rules help us to be able to continue to offer the Haul In Pass program and Bloom rentals.
Do you have short-term or overnight stabling available?
Yes, we offer overnight and shot-term stall or stock pen rentals. We do not offer shavings or other bedding material. For more information, see our Historic Barns and Stabling section here: http://www.kittitasvalleyeventcenter.com/p/facility-rental/arenas-and-barns/historic-barns-and-stabling
What are your winter stabling rules?
DRIVE SLOWLY - 5 MPH
ASSIGNED BARN ONLY
Do not move your horse to another barn or stall other than the one you were assigned.
Contact office if you are in need of a change.
STALLS AND AISLES ARE TO BE KEPT CLEAN
Stalls must be completely stripped and clean shavings added at least once every two weeks.
Stalls must be picked clean of manure and moisture every day.
The barn is to be kept clean of rubbish and aisles swept at all times.
You are responsible to keep your area in and around your assigned stall(s) clean at all time.
NO DOGS ALLOWED IN BARNS OR BLOOM PAVILION.
Dog must be kept on leash at all times on grounds, and handler is responsible to remove all feces.
BARN LIGHTS ARE ON AUTOMATIC TIMERS, DO NOT ADJUST THEM
You can leave a night light plugged in all night.
BLOOM PAVILION ARENA USE ONLY
Rodeo Arena, track and pens are off limits to all riders during winter months.
Bloom Pavilion is the only arena available.
Observe all Haul-In Rules & Regulations.
FEED HORSES IN YOUR CARE ONLY
Do not feed horses that are boarded by others.
What's a haul in pass?
The purpose of a Haul-In Pass is to offer patrons an opportunity to exercise and pleasure ride horses during the winter season (November – March ONLY). For further information, see our Haul-In-Pass information here: http://www.kittitasvalleyeventcenter.com/p/facility-rental/arenas-and-barns/haul-in-pass---winter-season
Are animals allowed into the Kittitas County Fair?
Animals are not permitted on the fairgrounds except for service animals or animals that are being exhibited in the fair. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both the animals and fair attendees.
Service Animals
• Service animals are allowed to accompany their handlers throughout the fairgrounds.
• Handlers are responsible for the behavior and actions of their service animals at all times.
Exhibiting Animals
• Animals being exhibited as part of 4H, FFA, Grange, or Open categories must undergo a veterinary check before entering the fairgrounds.
• Exhibiting animals are required to stay within designated judging areas and are not permitted to roam freely around the fairgrounds.
Exceptions
• No exceptions will be made to this policy, including kenneling animals on the premises. All non-service animals must not enter the fairgrounds.
This policy is designed to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors and participants at the fair. Compliance is mandatory, and any violations may result in removal from the fairgrounds and forfeiture of any monies paid.
Service Animals
Are dogs allowed into the Fair?
Animals are not permitted on the fairgrounds except for service animals or animals that are being exhibited in the fair. This policy is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both the animals and fair attendees.
Service Animals
Service animals are allowed to accompany their handlers throughout the fairgrounds. There are times that service animals will not be allowed in the barns to protect livestock during showing or movement outside of their pens.
Handlers are responsible for the behavior and actions of their service animals at all times.
Exhibiting Animals
Animals being exhibited as part of 4H, FFA, Grange, or Open categories must undergo a veterinary check before entering the fairgrounds.
Exhibiting animals are required to stay within designated judging areas and are not permitted to roam freely around the fairgrounds.
Exceptions
No exceptions will be made to this policy, including kenneling animals on the premises. All non-service animals must not enter the fairgrounds.
This policy is designed to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors and participants at the fair. Compliance is mandatory, and any violations may result in removal from the fairgrounds and forfeiture of any monies paid.