Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: FCLT - Facilities

Directors' Update: June 17, 2026

Business Meeting: June 23, 2026

Summary:

Approval of a Special Event Policy permitting leashed dogs at the Washington State Garlic Fest. The policy establishes safety requirements, owner responsibilities, restricted areas, and liability provisions and applies only to the annual Garlic Fest event. It does not modify the Fairgrounds' existing "No Pets" policy for other events.

Publications:

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To: Fionna Velazquez, Alex Murray, Violet Barboza

Resolution

WHEREAS, Lewis County owns and operates the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds for the benefit of residents and visitors; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Garlic Fest is an annual special event held at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds that promotes agriculture, local businesses, tourism and community engagement; and

WHEREAS, the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds generally maintains a "No Pets" policy for the safety and comfort of guests, exhibitors, vendors, livestock and facilities; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners finds that a limited exception allowing leashed dogs during the Washington State Garlic Fest may enhance the visitor experience while maintaining appropriate safety standards and operational controls; and

WHEREAS,

a Special Event Policy establishing eligibility requirements, leash requirements, restricted areas, owner responsibilities, liability provisions and enforcement measures for dogs attending the Washington State Garlic Fest has been developed; and

WHEREAS, the proposed policy expressly preserves all rights and protections afforded to individuals with disabilities and service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state law; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners finds that adoption of the Special Event Policy is in the best interests of Lewis County and the public.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the attached "Special Event Policy: Dog Access at the Washington State Garlic Fest" is hereby approved and authorized for implementation by Southwest Washington Fairgrounds staff for the annual Washington State Garlic Fest, subject to annual review and modification as deemed necessary by the Board of County Commissioners.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 23rd day of June, 2026.