Bank donates for new building

With help from a local bank, the Kootenai County Fairgrounds will soon have another pavilion.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Community 1st Bank Pavilion was held Wednesday at the fairgrounds in Coeur d'Alene.

During the ceremony, bank representatives presented a $10,000 check to members of the North Idaho Fair Board. The money will be used to fund the project.

"This is an exciting new addition to the fairgrounds," said Dane Dugan, general manager of the facility. "It will be used for community picnics, family reunions, arena shows, festivals and much more."

The pavilion will be a 2,500-square-foot structure located just north of the grandstands and adjacent to the arena gate entrance. It will have seating capacity for 200 people.

Community 1st Bank has been involved with the fair in a number of ways since the bank opened. Many of the bank's staff members have served as key volunteers for fair operations, on the Fair Board and the Fair Foundation.

"We are extremely thankful to the staff and board of Community 1st Bank for this incredible gift and longstanding support of the fair," Dugan said. "They really do put the community first and we are honored to be the recipients of such generosity."