WHEREAS, A state fair is a time-honored tradition that is enjoyed by all Americans; and

WHEREAS, 125 years ago, in February 1892, the Washington State Legislature declared Yakima would be the location of Washington's first, and for many years only, State Fair; and

WHEREAS, In 1893, the Legislature appropriated 10,000 dollars to purchase 120 acres of land where the present State Fair is located; and

WHEREAS, By September 1894, the first State Fair of Washington was held in Yakima; and

WHEREAS, The gala milestone in state history boasted a 2,000 seat grandstand, a racetrack, an exhibit hall, 100 horse stalls, and a judging stand three stories high; and featured horse races, an auto show, and fireworks displays; and

WHEREAS, During the Great Depression, it was difficult for the state of Washington to fund the Fair and so it was discontinued in 1937; and

WHEREAS, In 1939, a group of people representing agricultural, livestock, and business interests incorporated as the "Central Washington Fair Association" with the purpose of once again holding a fair in Yakima; and

WHEREAS, The 1939, 1940, and 1941 Fairs were all successful, and though the event was suspended from 1942 through 1945 because of World War II, it was revived in 1946 and continues to this day; and

WHEREAS, Men and women from the livestock and agricultural industries, Grange organizations, Future Farmers of America, 4-H groups, and others display their skills of raising and showing animals, their culinary abilities, and provide displays in many arts and foods categories; and

WHEREAS, Later this year, September 22nd through October 1st, thousands of proud exhibitors from all over the state, the Pacific Northwest, and Canada will again fill the halls and stalls of the Central Washington State Fairgrounds; and

WHEREAS, It is proper and fitting to recognize the designation of the City of Yakima as the location for the original State Fair of Washington; and

WHEREAS, The original State Fair of Washington is celebrating its 125th year of becoming a fair and has stayed faithful to its agricultural roots and mission;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the Central Washington State Fair Association as the esteemed and steadfast keeper of our 125 year State Fair tradition, and recognize its cultural and economic impacts on the state of Washington; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to members of the Central Washington State Fair Association's Board of Directors and to the management and staff of the Central Washington State Fair Association.