Most Tri-Citians know the month of August means fair and rodeo time

The Benton-Franklin Fair & Rodeo runs Aug. 22-26 in Kennewick.

This year visitors can enjoy more than $1.6 million in improvements at the Benton County Fairgrounds, located at 1500 S. Oak St., off 10th Avenue.

The project consisted of a complete remodel of Building 2 and 3 with the addition of a new heavy timber pavilion.

Building 2 is 15,000 square feet and Building 3 is 8,800 square feet. Building 3 has a new catering station and both buildings feature polished concrete floors, LED lighting, wifi and full heating and air.

The buildings will be used for public and private events, conventions, trade shows, concerts and meetings.

The project was funded solely by Benton County.

The county’s goal was “to create an affordable, user-friendly facility for weddings, meetings, company parties, etc. In addition, we are working hard to become the hub for family-friendly public events that can be attended and enjoyed by the entire community.”

G2 Construction of Kennewick was the general contractor.

CKJT Architects of Kennewick did the design work.

Key officials overseeing the project were Benton County Public Services Administrator Fred Bowen, Benton County Project Manager Larry Hueter and Fairgrounds Office Manager John Donley.

For more information about renting the facilities, contact Donley at 509-222-3751 or john.donley@co.benton.wa.us.