Board links community, fairgrounds
One would almost expect to hear a rooster crow in the semidark of the fairgrounds, during a recent early morning meeting of the Spokane County Fair and Expo Advisory Board. Coffee perked as members arrived at the Fair and Expo offices.
The group serves as a sounding board for the facility staff. They listen to problems and suggestions, and work with the management team and the county commissioners to keep the Fair and Expo Center running smoothly.
“We’re a voice for the community, as well as a listening ear,” said Cathy Tucker, outgoing board chairwoman.
The Interstate Fair isn’t the only item on this board’s agenda. In 2006, 110 events were held at the Fair and Expo Center, including the Interstate Fair. The facility hosted events every weekend last year, except three holiday weekends. Rodeos, gun shows and square dance festivals all compete for space and time.
“We have a full calendar. It can be challenging to fit in new events,” said Erin Gurtel, marketing coordinator.
Gurtel reported that the facility had secured the International Bull Riding Championships for August.
“Having been burned a bit by OCC (Orange County Choppers), we will control all the ticket sales for this event,” said Dolly Hughes, Fair and Expo Center director.
The staff and advisory board also are finalizing plans to bring auto racing to the facility. Flat track racing is something community members have been lobbying for, according to Tucker.
Eventually, discussion turned to September’s interstate fair. “We start thinking about entertainment for next year’s fair in November,” said Rich Hartzell, assistant director.
“I’m hoping to get the fair staff to expand their horizons and get bigger names for entertainment,” said Ben Wicks, board chairman.
Hartzell reported oral agreements have been reached with Weird Al Yankovic and Ronnie Millsap, and negotiations are in the works with The Village People.
“We’d like to see more people in their upper teens and 20s attend the fair,” Wicks said. “Most don’t come for entertainment, but I think they’d come if we got bigger names.”
Fair and Expo coordinator Jessie McLaughlin agreed with the importance of attracting young people.”The youth is our future,” she said. “If we don’t make the fair exciting for them, we won’t be able to draw the crowds we need.”
Since carnival rides are a big draw for young people, the staff has added two new rides, “The Super Shot” and “Spin Out.”
Last year the staff launched a Junior Advisory Board to actively engage teens in the planning and use of the facility. Jessica Hay is a member of the junior board and also serves on the Fair and Expo Advisory Board.
“It’s interesting to see behind the scenes,” the 17-year-old high school senior from Chewelah, Wash., said.
She said her involvement with the advisory board has helped her to feel comfortable around adults, and she’s enjoyed meeting community leaders.
“I’d like to see more teenagers involved in the fair,” Hay said. “You don’t have to be a cows-and-plows kid to get involved.”