Youths will advise interstate fair

A new board is giving a younger perspective to the Spokane Interstate Fair.

Teens are advising fair management on youth issues and providing volunteer services as members of the fair’s new Junior Advisory Board.

“We look to them as our eyes to the teenagers,” said Jessica McLaughlin, fair coordinator.

Although it’s been around since the beginning of the year, Spokane County Commissioners approved the creation of the board on Tuesday. Fair and Expo Center Director Dolly Hughes said the vote wasn’t held earlier because fair officials didn’t know it needed formal support.

Megan Tellessen, a recent graduate of East Valley High School, said the board is providing important insight while teens are gaining business skills.

“They’re definitely benefiting, but so are we,” said Tellessen, one of two chairwomen on the youth board.

The 25-member youth body has a seat available for each high school in Spokane County. Members serve one-year terms that expire in September.

The board organized a crafts event in July to encourage more youth participation in the fair’s crafts competition. It also has planned a quiz competition that will be held Sept. 17 at the fair.

Hughes said board members also aid volunteer superintendents who plan various aspects of the fair.

“Many of our superintendents are getting to retirement age, and we need to develop a volunteer base,” Hughes said.

Also Tuesday, commissioners approved entry fees for this year’s fair, which is scheduled for Sept. 8-17.

Prices will remain the same as last year. People 14 and over will pay $8. Seniors 65 and over and youths ages 7 to 13 will be charged $5. Kids 6 and under will be admitted free.

“We went after sponsorships to keep the prices down,” Hughes said.