Saturday’s Grand Parade kicks off 2024 Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo

Bob Brawdy

The Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo kicks off the week’s festivities with the Grand Parade through downtown Kennewick starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17.

The route starts near the Keewaydin branch of the Mid-Columbia Libraries, traveling down West First Avenue and doubling back on West Kennewick Avenue before heading south for about six blocks on North Auburn Street. It ends near West Sixth Avenue.

Some handicap-accessible parking spots are available at First United Methodist Church.

The five-day annual fair officially opens at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20.

The fairgrounds already were busy Friday with vendors and carnival ride operators setting up.

Anthony Ferdick, a Davis Shows Northwest carnival worker, was attaching the U.S. Flag to the mast of the Extreme Scream before the drop tower ride was raised into its vertical position.

Anthony Ferdick, a Davis Shows Northwest carnival worker, attaches the U.S. Flag to the mast of the Extreme Scream before the drop tower ride is raised into its vertical position. Workers were busy Friday setting up the midway for next week’s Benton Franklin Fair and Horse Heaven Round-Up at the fairgrounds in Kennewick.
Anthony Ferdick, a Davis Shows Northwest carnival worker, attaches the U.S. Flag to the mast of the Extreme Scream before the drop tower ride is raised into its vertical position. Workers were busy Friday setting up the midway for next week’s Benton Franklin Fair and Horse Heaven Round-Up at the fairgrounds in Kennewick.

Ferdick and other workers were busy Friday assembling rides and setting up the midway for the start of the week’s activities.

Hours for the fair are 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight. The Davis Shows Northwest carnival opens at noon each day.

Click her for the ultimate guide to this year’s fair, including ways to save on fair food and more.

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