Dept. of Agriculture

WSDA has been serving agriculture and the public for more than 100 years. Through service, regulation, and advocacy, we support keeping agriculture viable and vital in Washington State, while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment.

Agricultural Fairs

Washington's agricultural fairs provide educational opportunities for youth and promote agriculture and the welfare of rural Washington. The WSDA Agricultural Fairs Program provides approximately $2 million in financial assistance to agricultural fairs and youth shows each year. The Director of Agriculture appoints a seven-member Fairs Commission to recommend how the funds are allocated to participating fairs. Currently, 68 fairs participate in the program. The Fairs Program:

• Coordinates the activities of the Fairs Commission,
• Audits all required reports and information from participating fairs, and
• Verifies that fairs operate in compliance with state law.

Greetings,

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I just started as the new Fairs Program Administrator today. I’m looking forward to working with each of you!

I’m excited to let you know that applications for capital improvement grants were placed in the mail today and have been sent to the address the department has on file for your fair. For your convenience, I’ve attached a fillable electronic copy to this email, along with the cover letter and a Q&A.

I’d like to make you aware of some of the application requirements this year.

1. All applications must be sent to me via email and in PDF format to fairs@agr.wa.gov.
2. The deadline for emailing applications is 5:00 p.m. October 2, 2023.
3. You may submit no more than three applications.
4. The “cap” for each application is $250,000.
5. Smaller projects may be grouped together on one application but must not exceed $60,000.
6. There may be additional reporting requirements added to the grant agreements due to the high-profile nature of this program.
7. All projects must be completed by May 31, 2025. Invoices must be submitted not later than June 30, 2025.

We are planning to schedule a virtual meeting to answer any questions you have regarding the capital improvement grant program. Stay tuned for more information. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Tracey Keller, Fairs Program Administrator

Washington State Department of Agriculture

PO Box 42560

Olympia, WA 98504

360-902-2043

https://agr.wa.gov/departments/animals-livestock-and-pets/animal-health/fairs-and-exhibitions