The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – Waitsburg’s city council approved an action plan endorsed by the Waitsburg Fairgrounds Committee, that will allow Terry Hofer to manage RV parking and camping at the Waitsburg Fairgrounds. The plan was approved at the July 20 meeting pending the approval of a more detailed lease agreement.

In his introduction, Hofer said he has lived in the area his entire life, owned the Palm Club Tavern for several years, managed the American Legion for several years, was actively involved in the Days of Real Sport for about 20 years and was president for over 10 years.

“The fairgrounds has really been close to my heart. My purpose is to slow Highway 12 down and give them a spot for RVs and get them back to our Main Street,” Hofer said.

Hofer said the highway is very busy and he has had 200-300 people a day stop in at his yard sale a mile south of town. He wants to use the existing facilities to provide 14 RV spaces and “probably unlimited” dry camping. He plans to host a flea market at the fairgrounds to coincide with the Fall Festival and is considering the idea of an equipment museum at the fairgrounds.

“If we could build this up, maintain 160 years of history, keep the rail, hopefully fix the grandstands, I think we could make it a going concern. But you’ve got to start somewhere to get the people here and I’m proposing an RV site at the fairgrounds,” he said.

Hofer proposed renting the camping facilities from the city for $300 per month. He will then manage and promote RV parking within the existing spots on the north side of the Don Thomas building and dry camping along the back side of the parking lot, adjacent to the creek.

Hofer requested access to the jockey building, with showers, bathrooms, and office and asked that WiFi be installed for credit card sales, management, and customer use.

The site is set to open Aug. 1 and the proposed price structure is $25/night plus lodging tax for RV rentals and $15/night plus lodging tax for overnight dry camping. The office will be open from 3-7 p.m. daily. Contact information and updates may be found at the Waitsburg RV Facebook page.