Fair eyes stage lighting projects

Palouse Empire Fair board members Monday night gave a green light to proposals for upgrading the stage in the community building and revamping the lights in the room.

Fair Manager Bob Reynolds said the fair should look at the project as an investment which will make the facility more appealing to families and groups to rent during the off-season.

Reynolds noted that at one time the fair’s community building was used for theater productions, and improvements, including a curtain, will increase its chances for additional use in that mode. The community building has also been rented for wedding receptions and other special events.

Bottom line for the two projects could be as much as $22,000, but both proposals include options which could be placed on hold depending on how funding goes for the project.

Reynolds said they hope to get the stage project completed prior to the fair and proceed with the lighting project after the September fair.

Fair board members Monday night approved formally placing the stage project on funding requests for the fair foundation which has been responsible for many of the recent capital improvement project son the grounds. Funds from the foundation could be used as a match for grant funds. The fair at present is awaiting the result of a grant application which could start the project.

One of the top sources of fair foundation funds derives from the group’s auction dinner in the fall.

The fair has been working with Dick Domey, of Pullman, on a plan for upgrading the stage, Reynold said. He added the stage already has a curtain rail installed over the back but lacks a curtain. Curtain space has been estimated at 10 X 21.

Among other projects, Domey has been credited with upgrading the stage facility at Gladish Community Center in Pullman.

Fair officials have also been working with M & M Harrison Electric on a lighting project for the room. The room now features 24 incandescent fixtures. The initial proposal calls for replacing some of them and adding chandeliers at other points to make the room more appealing for families planning receptions.