Super fair run in the works

Reports during the countdown indicate this year's edition of the Palouse Empire Fair should start and finish with a high rating. The fair always generates its own momentum as entrants and competitors arrive with exhibits and talent for display and judging.

A first painting by a three-year-old, a final stock raising project by a high school senior, talent by a royalty entry and a ride by a skilled rodeo competitor are some of the ingredients which make up the fair and generate interest for the four-day run.

This year gets a boost because the improvements at Mockonema will provide a better stage for the participants, their fans and the judges.

Now in their second year after a rookie season, the fair's new managers' work has been topped off by the new grandstand which will offer more and better seats with better lights.

An added feature for residents will be knowing the new $1.5 million structure, which replaces 30-plus-year-old bleachers, was located on the grounds without a special levy or some other special tax bite.

The funds came from the county's .09 sales tax which the county commissioners had been saving in the event they had to follow through with a commitment to Hawkins Development to help plant a shopping mall at the state line. When Hawkins sold their site, the commissioners were able to shake out the piggy bank and the fair was one of the recipients.

Another part of the project was installation of new LED arena lights on new standards around the arena. This was funded by the Palouse Empire Fair Foundation who also emptied their piggy bank to pay for the $270,000 lighting project.

In addition to their reserve funds, the foundation took out a loan for $100,000 from First Interstate Bank in Colfax to cover the cost.

All this plus the painting, cleaning and organizing sets the stage for a bigger, better fair.

During Monday's night fair board meeting, Chad Startin, president of the foundation, said "If you told me a year ago, we'd be where we are today, I wouldn't have believed it. "

Year-to-year fair fans are encouraged to extend a "well done" after they see and experience what has been done. If they want to extend a material well done, they can sit down and write a check to help the foundation pay off the bank loan. Donations can be sent to Janet Luft, treasurer of the Palouse Emprie Fair Foundation, 501 Luft Road, Endicott, 99125.

Jerry Jones,

Gazette Editor