PASCO, Wash. – A beloved fair attraction, Old MacDonald’s Barn, is celebrating its 50th year at the Benton Franklin Fair. Since 1975, the barn has been a staple for families, introducing them to the joys of farm life.
The barn was the brainchild of Pasco High School ag teachers Walt Grisham and Wally Caldwell, along with their students from the Pasco Future Farmers of America chapter. Together, they built the barn at the Benton County Fairgrounds with help from community volunteers, including members of the Kennewick FFA.
Funding for the project came from a $4,000 contribution by the Fair Board and $2,000 from Kennewick businesses, along with numerous donations of materials and equipment.
The efforts paid off when the Pasco FFA chapter won second place nationally in the FFA’s “Building Our American Communities” contest.
Old MacDonald’s Barn was created to showcase farm animals and their offspring, allowing families to meet piglets, chicks, goats, miniature horses and llamas.
