2017-01-05 Fair discussionFair discussion
January 5, 2017
10:41 a.m.
Present: Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Jackson, Steve Walton, and Tamara
Hayes
Guest: Aaron Kunkler
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Tamara Hayes said a public meeting would be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 31.
Tamara said she had spoken with Harry Bhagwandin about an agri-tourism grant. She talked about
creating two large interactive maps showing where agri-tourism can be found.
She talked about creating an interactive “map” of farms items.
Tamara said she is talking with IT about a new website for the fair. She said the 2017 fair theme is “I’m a
Fair Kid.”
Tamara said she foresees having farmers man agri-tourism booths. Among ideas: Christmas tree,
blueberry, chestnut, and mint farmers.
Tamara talked about the roots of the county fairs, which were the hub of cutting-edge technology when
they first started.
The group talked finding a combination that honors the tradition of the fair but also offers forward
thinking.
Among items being considered: Williams and Ree, Centralia-Chehalis tug of war, husband-wife relay,
dunk tanks, rodeo, demo derby, the ROAD-eo.
Tamara said rates were raised 10 percent across the board. She said rates had not been raised since
2009. She said some things are optional, such as a group could choose to take care of their own trash.
Tamara discussed Annual Users rates, Youth Activity Rates, Horse Arena Rates, Donation of Services.
The group talked about using the fees to cover the county’s expenses.
Tamara said Gary and Ted have stepped down, so she needs new fair commissioners. They talked about
Susan DeLaire, Harry Bhagwandin, Lisa Perry, and Terry Harris as possibilities. The group discussed
advertising for the open positions.
The group discussed the role of the fair commission.
Commissioner Fund left at 11:21 a.m.
Meeting recessed at 11:22 a.m. until 1 p.m.