10/19/2009: "Big Changes Proposed For Fair"

Most islanders see the SJC Fair as a time to celebrate farming, agricultural, and the rural life -what's left of it- of San Juan County; and have a bunch of fun with all the displays, fun & food events, the carnival rides for the kids, and of course look at all the animals; like...a Cash Cow?

For the County, the fair grounds has the potential to be a Cash Cow, not only for the Fair, but also for the Parks Department; if only the zoning -the land use designation- would allow more general use, like a RV camp ground, and large money generating events, such as different kinds of festivals and stuff throughout the year.

The Fair Board is projected to have an ending cash balance this year of over $30.000.00; which is more money than some departments will have, like, for example, the Parks Board.

Enter the second proposal: move the San Juan County Fair into the Parks Department. This proposal was discussed last week by the Council, and such a move would give the control of the Fair to Parks, and allow the Fair budget to become one with, and under the control of, the Parks Department.

Both of these proposals are moving forward to public input and discussion. The County has already started the process of changing the land-use designation for the land to allow not only year around use of the fair grounds, but also expansion of the property; a move Council member Lovel Pratt suggested should include more RV hook-ups.

The Fair generates a lot of noise -much of it amplified that goes late into the night, and can be heard a mile away; vehicle and pedestrian traffic; dust and litter, all are impacts of heavy use. But the neighbors know when it will happen, what will happen, and that it is only for a short predictable time; so they put up with it.

Councilman Bob Myhr pointed out to the council there may be concerns from the neighbors on the proposal, since year around use may have a negative impact on them.

Chairman Rich Peterson cautioned against going into competition with the private sector with a RV campground.

According to the Parks Department Director, the existence of the two advisory boards, one for the Fair, and one for Parks, would continue under the merging of the Fair into and under the control of Parks.

The proposals for combing have been introduced to both boards, but it is too early in the public process for either board to make a recommendation to the Council, or to decide not to comment. It is expected both boards will comment in the near future.