Nice to meet you!
Leading the way in event facilities and services in Southwest Washington. Competitive pricing, customer-focused, and self-sustained. We can't wait to hear what you've been dreaming up.
Our Mission
“To be a self-sustained leading provider of event facilities and services in Southwest Washington through the delivery of competitively priced, customer-focused products and services.”
About Cowlitz Event Center
Construction began on the Cowlitz County Event Center in August 2003, with the grand opening occurring on March 11, 2005. The Center is located on a 47-acre campus in Longview, Washington.
The center is owned by the Cowlitz County Public Facilities District (PFD) and is operated by employees of Cowlitz County.
Vision
At the Cowlitz County Event Center, we are committed to delivering exceptional customer service for every event. Our dedicated team of Event Coordinators works closely with you to refine every detail, ensuring a seamless experience so you can focus on what truly matters—your guests.
Meet our Administration Team!
Kim Bowcutt
Event Center Director
Before stepping into her current role, Kim built a strong foundation in the hospitality industry, managing hotels and honing her expertise in event operations. For the past 20 years, she has been an integral part of the Cowlitz County Event Center, where she now serves as the Director. In this role, she oversees the Fair & Rodeo, County Tourism, and the Event Center, bringing passion and vision to every aspect of her work.
Kim’s lifelong love for community, rodeo, and event management continues to drive her commitment to excellence. Whether in the arena, behind the camera, or leading large-scale events, she brings dedication and heart to everything she does.
Shelby Hixson
Administrative Assistant
Since 2017, she has been with Cowlitz County, managing Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable for the office. Shelby brings several years of customer service experience and is dedicated to ensuring financial operations run smoothly and efficiently in her role.
Outside of work, Shelby enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and kids.
Meet Our Coordinators!
Ashley Lachney
Business Development + Marketing Coordinator
She joins The Event Center excited to partner with clients in creating a great guest experience and unforgettable events.
Maile Walker
Fair Coordinator
Maile also coordinates the Cowlitz County Fair, utilizing her skills to bring people together and ensure successful events. Maile is dedicated to fostering strong community connections and creating enjoyable, lasting experiences for all involved.
Melinda Payne
Event Coordinator
With a career spanning philanthropy, finance, customer relations, and event planning, she has developed a diverse skill set. Her combination of strategic vision, organizational skills, and passion for helping others defines her professional journey.
Board Members
Make our space yours.
We see the big picture in small details. From pre-planning to post-event, our skilled Event Coordinators take care of the details so you can focus on what's really important: your guests.
Floral building was not heated.
Would love to visit again
There were a large number of participants here involved in a number of dog activities. A lot of the open field areas were set up showing dogs in conformation or doing coursing events. Other activities included weight pulling, obedience, rally and agility as well.
The grounds are kept in pretty nice shape there were lots of large shade trees in one of the areas across from the large main structure. There are also hookups with electricity for RVs and trailers and additional areas where tents could be set up.
Unfortunately it does not offer any shower facilities and there are only two bathrooms in the arena area. So if you're going to be tent camping you're going to be roughing it.
She had a wonderful time there. Great job Kelso class 2024
