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THROUGH THE DECADES

2020-PRESENT

The Yakima Valley Fair & Rodeo continues to grow and develop each year, with tremendous community support.  The YVF&R Foundation has spearheaded the arena bleacher project and other improvements.  Livestock facilities are continually maintained and updated by volunteers and supported by donations to the Livestock Improvement Fund.  A major fund-raising event for the fair is the Farm Equipment Auction held annually on the third Saturday of March.  The funds raised have allowed purchase of property on Wallace Way, which is being developed.  A dedicated board of volunteers works diligently to improve the quality of the Fair & Rodeo. 

 

2020 - YVFR canceled due to the Covid Pandemic

2010-2019

2017 - Celebrated 90 years of the fair!

2000-2009

2001 - The name was changed to Yakima Valley Fair & Rodeo and the first three years were a successful part of the ProWest Rodeo circuit, then joined the PRCA for several years.

2007 - Foundation for the Yakima Valley Fair & Rodeo began.

1980-1989

1988 - The fair outgrew itself in town and moved to the current location on Wallace Way.

1970s

Entertainment highlighted the nights of the fair.  Barbara Mandrell performed, along with other country musicians and stage performers. Carnivals were popular.

1950-1959

1954-55  - Home Economics quonset building and a long shed for livestock were added at the downtown fairgrounds.

1951 - The Harvest Festival became Yakima Valley Junior Fair.

 

1940-1949

1948 - The fair was built on Second Street property that is now Yakima Valley Community College.

1945 - The first Livestock Auction took place.

1943-44 - The fair was CANCELLED due to World War II.

1930-1939

1931 - The fair was CANCELLED because of the polio epidemic.

1927

The fair started with canvas-covered booths lining the downtown streets of Grandview.

It became known as the “Harvest Festival” and in the early years, the first Team Pull was held in the streets of Grandview.

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