Venue Policies

The role as a fair chartered by the State of Washington to educate the public about all aspects of agriculture is taken very seriously. The Kittitas Valley Event Center understands the importance to present farm animals to urban residents who are disconnected from agriculture, whether it be at the annual fair or during other open public exhibitions. The Kittitas County Fair is the main event to provide the only opportunity most visitors will ever have to personally experience cattle, horses, swine, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, and other farm animals. All animal exhibits and displays within the fair give the fair-goers an appreciation of many species, both domestic and exotic, that they would not otherwise encounter. The Kittitas County Fair’s primary audience consists of family and youth and we reserve the right to reject any exhibit and/or contents that may be considered objectionable by that audience.

The care, custody, and control of the animals brought to the Kittitas Valley Event Center (KVEC) are the responsibility of the owner/exhibitor. KVEC will use diligence to ensure the safety of animals after their arrival and placement, but under no circumstances will KVEC be responsible for loss, injury, or damage done to, or occasioned by, or arising from any animal on exhibition.

KVEC expects owner/exhibitors to keep the needs of their animals as their number one priority in regards to the following:

• Food and water are clean and fresh.
• Stalls are clean with fresh bedding and free of debris and waste.
• Animals are clean and well-groomed.
• Transportation is safe and clean; animals are loaded and/or unloaded calmly.
• Stalls have enough space to prevent crowding, fighting, or discomfort.
• Animals are tied in the stalls with enough slack in the rope so they may lie down.

The Kittitas Valley Event Center (KVEC) will at no time have care, custody, and/or control of any animals whether exhibited or not, which are brought onto the grounds. However, in an emergency or compelling circumstance, KVEC authorized personnel will take charge of the animal and direct the resolution of the problem.

The KVEC Director reserves the right to require that animals identified as unsuitable for public display and/or in distress, be removed to a location designated by KVEC and/or removed from the grounds.

It is the responsibility of the owner/exhibitor for each animal being brought to KVEC to be aware of and adhere to the most current regulations and rules regarding animal transportation, disease control, vaccinations and health documentation requirements in accordance with the Washington Department of Agriculture. The owner/exhibitor is also responsible for adhering to any other regulations and rules regarding animal care and animal health that might be required by event promoters (non-fair events) or the Fair.

In the case of an emergency, a veterinarian would be the lead individual in directing the resolution of a problem in the livestock and horse areas.

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.