EDITORIAL: Positive developments for the fairgrounds

Posted 10/27/11

Despite the problems, the Park County Fair went on as usual in July, and the fairgrounds continued to host many public and private events, including two massive dinners during the dedication of the Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center, thanks …

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EDITORIAL: Positive developments for the fairgrounds

Posted

It’s been a year of problems and changes for the Park County Fairgrounds.

Electrical issues, the demolition of a major building due to structural problems, and changes in personnel at particularly inconvenient times all affected the facility in the past year.

Despite the problems, the Park County Fair went on as usual in July, and the fairgrounds continued to host many public and private events, including two massive dinners during the dedication of the Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center, thanks to the efforts of the fair staff, the Park County Fair Board, the Park County Commission and Park County Buildings and Grounds Department.

Still, all the issues with the fairgrounds have not been resolved. Major upgrades of the electrical system are under way, and the demolished Large Exhibit Hall must be replaced.

The Fair Board has taken the situation as an opportunity to take a new direction. Instead of hiring a new fair manager, the board has promoted the fair’s office manager, Jennifer Lohrenz, to the position of fair director, giving her the major responsibility of administering the fair and the other activities that take place at the fairgrounds during the year. The board turned the management and upkeep of the fairgrounds over to the county’s Buildings and Grounds Department.

Changes are under way to improve lighting in several areas, improve camping areas and add an additional horse arena. Work has begun to develop plans for a new multipurpose building that will replace the old Large Exhibit Hall and several other deteriorating buildings.

The fairgrounds are an important facility, not only for the fair, but for numerous other community events that take place there throughout the year. The new attention to their care and enhancement can only add to the usefulness of the facilities and make them more attractive as a place to hold events.

The Fair Board and the County Commission are to be commended for turning the recent difficulties at the fairgrounds into positive progress.

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