Once again, it’s crunch time for fairs
Washington state lawmakers are threatening to slam the barn door on funding for county fairs.
As of Tuesday, the funds traditionally funneled to fairs was on the chopping block. Meanwhile, a 9th District representative is frustrated, but still hoping the state finds a way to keep the annual kid-centered events in business.
“We need to stand behind our children and provide the funding to keep our state fairs thriving,” said Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy. “I’ve seen firsthand the leadership, educational value and sense of accomplishment fairs provide our children. State fairs not only allow kids to raise money for college, but also teach them how to earn their way in the world.”
Last week, Dye argued against the $4 million cut and pressed for an amendment to restore financial support. The amendment was rejected by House Democrats, and no funding for fairs is included in the Senate’s spending plan. With the session winding down, lawmakers are now in budget negotiations.
“If we don’t get help from the state, it will be a huge hit,” said Asotin County Commissioner Chris Seubert. “I thought for sure the (Republican-led) Senate would have it in their budget, but they didn’t.”
Asotin County receives about $30,000 to help with the costs of the annual spring event, Seubert said. Without the money from Olympia, the county would be hard pressed to make up the difference.
“From my understanding, this happens every year and funding is restored at the last minute,” Seubert said. “Hopefully, the state will come through again.”
With the Asotin County Fair and Rodeo right around the corner, fair board members have shifted into high gear to get the fairgrounds ready by the last week of April. Concerns about future state funding just add to the stress, officials said.
In neighboring Garfield County, the fair received about $31,000 from state coffers last year. The cost of putting on the September event is inching toward $45,000, and the help is crucial, said a longtime fair board member.
“Oh my goodness, it would be devastating if we lost our allotment,” said Fair Board Director Linda McKeirnan of Pomeroy. “It helps us pay the judges and provide premium payments for exhibitors, along with other fair needs. It really helps us run the fair properly. We don’t have a lot of outside support, and this is a big community event for Garfield County. If that funding disappears, everyone suffers.”
Dye said she shares her constituents’ concerns. The Legislature is focused on funding education this session, but the Pomeroy native said it’s important to remember not all education comes from a classroom.
“Our county fairs give our children the opportunity to learn about long-term responsibility,” Dye said in a news release. “Our FFA and 4-H children take care of animals until they are old enough to sell at local fairs and marketplaces. These experiences teach them about setting goals, following a project from beginning to end and being proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
The House just passed a $45 billion operating budget, and the $4 million that goes toward county fairs is a drop in the bucket, Dye said.
“With so much legislation geared at helping people who are living in poverty, we need to fund programs that build effective adults. We want to instill in kids the thrill of facing the challenges in life, while at the same time ensuring they have the innate understanding of how to persevere through challenges. Fairs help kids develop a can-do spirit.”
The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn April 23.