Why do we have a fairgrounds?

On the northeast corner of Government Way and Kathleen Avenue sits the 83-acre community asset known as the fairgrounds. In 1954 the fairgrounds moved from downtown Coeur d'Alene to our present site, which was at one time the edge of town. 2011 will mark the 57th fair here. Now nearly the geographical center of the county and close to a large number of commercial developments and a hub of activity, all of this is conducive to our present use.

More than 250 days are already on the 2011 fairgrounds calendar, illustrating the key role that the facility plays in providing a meeting place for nonprofits, area businesses and citizens. Grandstands, various building spaces and large grassy areas with power provide a great location for fundraisers, family reunions, shows and whatever a creative soul can design.

The fairground's August calendar is entirely consumed by the North Idaho Fair & Rodeo and the numerous activities leading up to this major event. During the 11 remaining months, the grounds are maintained and ready to host a variety of locally inspired activities. This is a key focus for the fair board as they oversee a Kootenai County tradition and asset that is valued by many.

The tasks of maintaining the grounds and making improvements to allow for an increased ability to accommodate community activities are second only to the No. 1 mission of hosting a first-class fair. As an enterprise fund tied to an event that is expected to "give a lot," the major challenge is the limited sources of revenue available for major capital improvements.

The organization's $1 million budget is broken into three pieces with 81 percent of revenues generated by the five-day fair, 10 percent from grounds rentals and 9 percent from taxpayer support. For taxpayers, this equates to $1.10 per taxable entity. A good investment when considering all the benefits this organization offers the community yet very challenging as planners prepare for yearlong operations and capital improvements based on the success of a five-day event.

The fairgrounds are often overlooked as a place to hold functions as the buildings are industrial in nature, paved parking does not exist and "under roof" square footage, while it is the most in town, is usually not enough for larger activities. Consequently, the fair board and staff remains focused on creativity, providing friendly service and pushing the positives causing our customers to look beyond the lack of amenities and enjoy using the fairgrounds.

Several studies from the fairgrounds have occurred via graduate students, out-of-area fairgrounds planners and local professionals defining community needs, possible improvements, the cost and the potential revenue stream associated with the improvements. The fair board knows the needs but has found that the major obstacles are funding and the ongoing question regarding location.

Some have suggested the commercial frontage of our Government Way property could be sold and a new facility built on the Rathdrum Prairie, allowing for expansion and newer buildings. It would also be a great way to create green space on our disappearing Prairie. If a viable funding source became a reality, the fair board could savor that thought as well. Who wouldn't love a new home with all the bells and whistles?

One example of such a fairgrounds move, offering an architectural concept that would fit our situation, is occurring in Colorado with a $55 million price tag. Not only is this a great deal of money but there is a challenge of working in phases with a project this large. This brings up the question as to whether our fair could survive the initial years on 200 acres of bare land with limited structures to house the variety of events required for success. Plus the million-dollar question of whether the development could be carried out. And let's ask about the amenities such as hotels, restaurants and stores that surround our site.

This is challenging, as estimates of the present site's valued if sold, would only cover the infrastructure of the new site. How do we rebuild the grandstand, covered space, barns, asphalt trails, equestrian facilities, plus so much more, when we are challenged to find capital for our present facility needs? We are told continually that the North Idaho Fair & Rodeo is one of the best, largely due to the tradition, community involvement and it's location.

Each of our unbiased studies declares that we presently sit on a perfect parcel of land for carrying out our mission. Capital infusion is needed to expand and update the square footage of building we have to offer, not to start over. Our only capital funding source comes from what we can generate via the fair and event rentals. A foundation has evolved providing another vehicle. Its mission as a 5013 entity is to receive donations and to raise funds for capital improvements on the grounds.

Success for the foundation and the fair board will come with a well developed plan that includes the county's vision for our present 83 acres, and where the fairgrounds will best serve our community. I applaud Commissioner Jai Nelson for her desire to put such a plan in place for the county. We need it so that we know that when we invest the $5,000 recently donated by the Jacklin family, it will go into a structure that will be around for the next generation of fairgoers, not into a 16,500-square-foot asset that could have an uncertain future.

The only thing we know from our county authorities is that another four acres will be taken for jail operations, which they say is imminent. This leaves the fairgrounds with 79 acres to work with. The studies say this is still enough land to serve the needs of the community as the fairgrounds, but it isn't advisable to lose more.

The dream for our community is a viable fairgrounds that serves as an event center that hosts the North Idaho Fair & Rodeo for five days, and be home to numerous other community endeavors, providing entertainment, raising funds for local causes, providing commerce, hosting sporting tournaments and providing a community gathering place for Kootenai County. It is a valuable and vital part of our community, something that we cherish and hope that citizens will agree.

Chris Holloway is the North Idaho fair manager.