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Check out some of our musings below. From FAQs to upcoming event trends we're seeing on the horizon, it's all here.
TRENDS + MUSINGS
Cowlitz Event Center Social Media
Take a peek at this exciting opportunity with our local community farmer's market!
Planning a multi-day conference? We have some helpful tips to maximize budget AND attendee experience.
Let's chat. events@cowlitzwa.gov
https://www.cowlitzeventcenter.com
Planning a multi-day conference? We have some helpful tips to maximize budget AND attendee experience.
Let's chat. events@cowlitzwa.gov
https://www.cowlitzeventcenter.com
Prom season finishes strong with RA Long + Mark Morris HS!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKXzNyLB_7r/?igsh=Z2Zxd2w4cDR4ajk3
@ralongasbstudents and @mm_asb_ hosted their City of Stars within our Mt St Helens Expo Hall. 13,000 square feet transformed into a twinkling cityscape + shaved ice on the plaza? No problem.
Congrats to Prom Court winners and thanks for letting us host you!
Cheers to our fab ...vendor partners, as always (and can someone tag the DJ?! They never get enough love)
@threeriversav
@konaice
Did you make it to the circus in our arena grandstands?! 🎪 Stunts, performing poodles, camels, horses, tight rope walkers and everything in between!
These three rings were LIT.
@jordanworldcircus
After two back-to-back dog shows, we are missing some wagging tails around our property!
Thank you @_gspca_ for hosting your 2025 National Specialty Show with us. We loved seeing how you utilized SO many different spaces for your sweet pups.
@summerlandcatering
...@threeriversav
Mobile Mic Entertainment
@norcalbulldogger
Welcome to the Garden of Grace: where Chaplains are uplifted and celebrated for the important work they do within our community.
We welcomed over four hundred guests into our Mt St Helens Expo Hall yesterday evening for drinks, flowers, fundraising, dinner, and (of course) a dessert dash....
Being a part of important community events fills our hearts! Big thanks to our vendor team and all of the incredible volunteers with the Chaplaincy who brought this beautiful garden to life.
Bar + Catering @summerlandcatering
Dessert Dash Cakes @sugarpearldessert + homemade
AV @threeriversav
Dessert Dash Linens @specialtyrents
Organization @cowlitzchaplaincy
This much talent in one room?! Come and visit the @kelsoschools @kelso.art+ @longviewschooldistrict all-school art show-- running now through Thursday afternoon in our beautiful Loowit Ballroom.
Art from our local county kids is displayed in over 5,000 square feet of Loowit, creating a ...dynamic space for several exhibits.
If you stop by, be sure to leave your comments for the artists!
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJUNR2GJB35/?igsh=MTRxYW0zMjk2MW8yYw==
This much talent in one room?! Come and visit the @kelsoschools @kelso.art + @longviewschooldistrict all-school art show-- running now through Thursday afternoon in our beautiful Loowit Ballroom.
Art from our local county kids is displayed in over 5,000 square feet of Loowit, creating a ...dynamic space for several exhibits.
If you stop by, be sure to leave your comments for the artists!
What a night we had welcoming over 400 guests into the Mt St Helens Expo Hall for@thecommunityhouseonbroadway 's 15th
Annual Cares Campaign Fundraiser.
An Evening of Breaking Bread featured handmade loaves at each table baked by youth residents of Beth's Place.
We love ...being a part of your nonprofit fundraisers--cheers!
Mocktails + Catering @summerlandcatering
AV + Specialty Lighting @threeriversav
Photo Booth @snapphotobooth
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJPgM76ySU8/?igsh=NWJnZDhpazZ0d3lv
What a night we had welcoming over 400 guests into the Mt St Helens Expo Hall for @thecommunityhouseonbroadway 's 15th Annual Cares Campaign Fundraiser.
An Evening of Breaking Bread featured handmade loaves at each table baked by youth residents of Beth's Place.
We ...love being a part of your nonprofit fundraisers-- cheers!
Mocktails + Catering @summerlandcatering
AV + Specialty Lighting @threeriversav
Photo Booth @snapphotobooth
Raising a glass to these fluffy loaves:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJLA9B9JSKT/?igsh=dTM1NGh2MmVyN3kz

FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.”
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.
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