COEUR d’ALENE, Idaho – The North Idaho State Fair Board met with Kootenai County Commissioners Monday, following recent rumors of the fairgrounds potentially moving to a different location.
At the meeting, packed with many fairground supporters, the board presented a long-term master plan and memorandum.
“We cannot let this go away. It’s got to stay and it’s where memories are made, and they last a lifetime, and we can’t lose that,” North Idaho State Fair GM and CEO, Alexcia Jordan said.
She, among others, presented the master/memorandum to the commissioners.
“It just would define that this will be our home for a long period of time,” Jordan said.
When and if the $280 million master plan is completed, it would look similar to this.
“It is incredibly important that we secure our future,” Jordan said.
Because there’s been talk around town of the fairgrounds location being moved.
“We know people are being approached for their land and it seems more real than ever,” Jordan said.
Real to Jordan and real to all of the people that attended Monday’s meeting.
“The board of commissioners needs to support the existing fairground where it is,” an attendee said.
Chris Holloway, the former manager of the fairgrounds, spoke before the commissioners as well.
“I just really encourage you to consider this lease opportunity so that these people with lots of passion for the fairgrounds can move forward and make this dream a reality,” Holloway said.
Jordan’s plea to the commissioners:
“Let’s secure that long-term and make sure we put these rumors to rest for good so we can continue to serve our community the way we want to because this is truly a gem,” Jordan said.
It’s not yet clear when the Kootenai County Commissioners will either approve or disapprove of the master plan.
As for the fair this year – it’s set to take place Aug. 16-25.
Here’s the full master plan:
