Recreational offerings abound in Elma, including a golf course, disc golf course, paintball area, a bowling alley and several parks.
Vance Creek Park provides a paved trail for walking, biking, or jogging, as well as lovely covered or open picnic areas with barbecue grills, a playground, fishing spots, and a public swimming area with changing facility. Smith-Murray Park offers multi-sports fields, covered picnic areas, and a community-built playground that includes a unique enchanted fortress.
Another popular place to play is the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds, home to the Grays Harbor County Fair (held in August). The 68-acre site includes 15 major buildings and barns, two outdoor stages, and parking for over 1,200, making it an ideal location for almost any event. The Grays Harbor Fair & Event Center hosts dog shows, horse shows, car races, monthly swap meets and more on a year-round basis.
Elma also offers many events over the course of the year. In January, the Elma Chamber of Commerce presents the first Wine & Seafood Festival of the year at the Grays Harbor Fair Pavilion. The festival features live music, food booths, wines from more than 20 Northwest wineries, and unique souvenir vendors. Heat on the Street Car & Motorcycle show comes to town in the summer, this year Cruise-In in July followed by the show on filling Main Street with custom cars and motorcycles, live music, food, prizes, and sidewalk shopping. In September Saddle up for Buckaroo Days in downtown Elma which includes a chili cook-off, entertainment, free kids activities, and a parade down Main Street. At the Fairgrounds the Grays Harbor Mounted Posse presents Extreme Bull Riding in September. |