The countdown has started for the North Idaho State Fair 10-day event, but elephant ears and rodeos aren't the only concerns for Kootenai County Fairgrounds personnel.
Throughout the pandemic, the fairgrounds have worn some unusual hats. Fairgrounds personnel have assisted the county by offering facilities for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, jury selection, acting as a field hospital, and temporarily housing the Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management.
However, by providing these services at minimum costs and operating without events for several months, Fair Board Vice President Elise Burton said department revenue is down 75 percent compared to the previous year.
“I think, arguably, we were the hardest hit county department,” Burton said during a Wednesday meeting with the Board of Commissioners. “We kind of fall into a weird gray area where we can’t apply for any grants or relief funds because we’re under the county, and the county technically isn’t struggling, so they don’t get the relief funds to trickle down.”
Like many departments, the county cut budget requests by the fairgrounds substantially to whittle down the county deficit ahead of setting the final fiscal year 2022 financial blueprint.
What was initially $500,000 worth of building, parking lot and grandstand improvements at the fairgrounds is now $120,000. However, that dollar amount will likely change by August.
“We are very judicious when making our requests. These aren’t fluff projects. These are our bare bones asks,” Burton said. “But we understand the predicament you guys are in with the decrease in funding and increase in expenses.”
Still, elephant ears and rodeos are on the list of things to look forward to — and they're getting closer every day.
“We are moving fast and furious,” Fairgrounds Manager Alexcia Jordan said with a smile.
Ticket sales are strong, particularly for award-winning artist Nelly, who has already sold out the venue with 50% capacity.
However, Jordan said not to worry as the fairgrounds have been given the go ahead to release more grandstand seats later this month.
In total, 7,857 tickets have been sold for the various entertainment events scheduled during the 10-day fair — 3,252 specifically for the “Hot in Herre” artist.
Other performing acts available for attendance include:
• Monster trucks on Aug. 20 and 21
• Demolition derby on Aug. 22 and 29
• Chris Janson on Aug. 24
• PRCA Xtreme Bulls on Aug. 26
• PRCA Rodeo “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” Aug. 27
• PRCA Rodeo Patriot Day Aug. 28
• PRCA Rodeo Family Day Aug. 29
“This is actually higher than they would be in a normal year, which is very exciting,” Jordan said.
Volunteers are needed to make the event successful, Jordan said — about 300. The Friends of the Fair volunteer organization comes with perks, she pointed out, including free parking and a 10-day admission pass.
Summer Service Day, scheduled on Saturday, July 24, is also looking for 200 volunteers to prepare the fairgrounds in advance of the August celebration.
Like fair volunteers, community members who participate in Summer Service Day activities will receive an admissions ticket to the North Idaho State Fair and free lunch on July 24.
Volunteer information is available at: www.nisfair.fun