Larger events get OK at fairgrounds

A Youth in Agriculture Leadership & Livestock weekend, a Gold Prospecting & Treasure Show, a Rebel Junk Vintage Market, a Just Between Friends Sale, and a 4-H Market Beef Weigh-in. 

Those are just a handful of the upcoming events at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds now possible after Gov. Brad Little’s move to Stage 3 of Idaho Rebounds.

Under the Stage 3 Stay Healthy Guidelines, gatherings of 50 or fewer are allowed — but large events like trade shows with more than 50 people can receive an exemption if the organizer conforms with necessary physical distancing and hygiene protocols under their safe operations plan. 

“We have been working very closely with local health officials for almost a year now, so we’re very excited and feel confident,” Kootenai County Fairgrounds Manager Alexcia Jordan said. “We’ve been working with our promoters to create a safe place. We have enough space and will be able to host events with the proper social distancing measures.”

Opening up for events is big news for the fairgrounds, which suffered a 66% drop in profits from 2019 to 2020. During a meeting with county commissioners in December, Jordan alerted the board that despite earnings from the RV Park, events revenue alone decreased by 25% and seriously hurt the fairgrounds. 

The saving grace? A steadfast hope for the Aug. 20-29 North Idaho State Fair and herd immunity. 

“If people come out, get vaccinated at the fairgrounds, and we reach herd immunity, then we can have an exceptional fair,” Jordan said. “Then, I think, we’re going to be just fine. Hopefully, ticket sales are great, and people are willing and excited to get out again. As long as that happens, I think we’re going to be OK.”

When she heard the news about Stage 3, Jordan said she felt two things — relief and excitement. 

“Relief for us, relief for us as a business, but also excitement for our community,” she said. “We have calls every day asking when we are going to have any shows or events. Now we have something for people to look forward to.”

Some events helped bring in revenue throughout the summer, but besides a COVID testing and vaccination site, the fairgrounds has been all but empty since October.

The 2021 Youth in Agriculture Leadership & Livestock Weekend, a private classroom event, is one of the first in a series of programs coming to the grounds this year. While future events could be subject to change based on promoters, vendors, and government regulation, Jordan is hopeful for the season ahead.

“This is a huge step for us, and especially our vendors, to have some business again,” Jordan said. “No matter when it is, vendors who sell things haven’t had a whole lot of business in a long time. They are excited to come and do what they need to do to keep safe.”

The first public event at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds is the 22nd annual Northwest Gold Prospectors Association’s Gold Prospecting and Treasure Show on March 13 and 14. Following that is the Rebel Junk Vintage Market on March 26 and 27. 

“We are in the business of trying to make people happy, give them memories and make them smile,” Jordan said. “This is an opportunity to bring the community back together again.”

SIDEBAR

Hed: Country star Chris Janson to headline North Idaho State Fair

Live legacy-in-the-making Chris Janson will headline the 2021 North Idaho State Fair.

The breakout country music star will bring his "Real Friends" tour to the Findlay Arena "Party in the Dirt" on Aug. 24. Janson is known for high-octane shows and hit songs "Buy Me a Boat," "Fix a Drink" and "Good Vibes."

Fair general manager Alexcia Jordan is thrilled with how the concert has evolved in the past five years.

"We know how excited everyone was in 2020 to see Chris Janson at the fair. It seemed right to make sure we could have him in 2021," she said. "Our team has worked hard for the last eight months to plan a concert experience like never before for our community. We have a plan in place to safely come together again, enjoy live music and have a great time."

Janson is a platinum-selling recording artist, energetic entertainer, multi-instrumentalist, and award-winning singer/songwriter. In the four years since the release of his debut album, he has collected prestigious accolades that place him among country music greats, including two No. 1 singles.

In addition to his own successes, the talented songwriter has lent his pen to industry peers Tim McGraw and Hank Williams, Jr.

The first chance at concert tickets will be given to the fair’s email club today. To sign up, go to www.NISFair.FUN or text FAIRFUN to 22828 (FAIRFUN – all one word). Public sales will open Friday at 9 a.m.

Info: www.nisfair.fun