Kittitas Fair and Rodeo attendance up despite Taylor Bridge fire
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ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- It's been less than a month since the start of one of the worst Washington wildfires in years. In fact the Taylor Bridge fire still smolders to this day. But, that didn't stop people in Kittitas County from saddling up for a rodeo.
The sounds, smells and smiles are hard to miss. There's no shortage of cowboy hats, boots or the people wearing them.
In fact Rodeo and Fair organizers guess attendance here is up 18 to 20%. Attendance totals are not complete.
"Yesterday was the busiest I've ever seen the grounds," said Fairgrounds manager, Matt Anderson. "When I looked over at the rodeo performances, both looked sold out."
That's all in light of what many in Kittitas County will never forget. A fire that burned more than 20,000 acres and 60 homes. But what tore this area apart, also brought people together.
"That fire got about a half mile from my house," said visitor, Brad Taylor. "Burnt some of my neighbors houses up and you just have to come together when something like that happens"
But not only does the rodeo bring a sense of togetherness, it also brings in the tourists. Those tourists bring in money to the economy. A trickle down affect that can only mean good things for Kittitas County.
Monday is the last day of the fair and rodeo. The final rodeo competition starts at noon.
The sounds, smells and smiles are hard to miss. There's no shortage of cowboy hats, boots or the people wearing them.
In fact Rodeo and Fair organizers guess attendance here is up 18 to 20%. Attendance totals are not complete.
"Yesterday was the busiest I've ever seen the grounds," said Fairgrounds manager, Matt Anderson. "When I looked over at the rodeo performances, both looked sold out."
That's all in light of what many in Kittitas County will never forget. A fire that burned more than 20,000 acres and 60 homes. But what tore this area apart, also brought people together.
"That fire got about a half mile from my house," said visitor, Brad Taylor. "Burnt some of my neighbors houses up and you just have to come together when something like that happens"
But not only does the rodeo bring a sense of togetherness, it also brings in the tourists. Those tourists bring in money to the economy. A trickle down affect that can only mean good things for Kittitas County.
Monday is the last day of the fair and rodeo. The final rodeo competition starts at noon.
