Meet Serena Caples, a wife, mother, small business owner and the development director for the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation.
With nearly two decades of involvement with the Kootenai County Fairgrounds and 4-H programs, Serena brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our community. Born and raised in the Inland Northwest and a resident of Kootenai County for almost 20 years, Serena's roots run deep in our region. Coming from a ranching family, she is passionate about Western culture and agriculture. Serena is actively engaged in the community, contributing her time and skills to fundraising committees, various events, outreach programs and her church. She loves to utilize her expertise in event planning, design and production, as well as her background in health care to impact our community. Serena is thrilled to leverage her knowledge and experience to promote and share Western culture and agriculture for many years to come.
1) What is the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation and what is your role with it?
The North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports our local community by contributing to the Kootenai County Fairgrounds. Some ways we do that are capital improvement contributions, scholarships to local youth who have participated with the fairgrounds in any manner and other educational opportunities. We believe it is a history worth preserving and a future worth supporting. As the development director for the foundation, I help to further our mission, work within our community to impact many families and keep our history alive.
2) How and when did you get involved with our local fair?
I have been involved with our local fair since I was 10 years old starting in 4-H.
3) What are some of your fondest fair memories from your youth?
Some of my fondest memories at the fairgrounds include horse camp, a weeklong adventure with your horse to learn better skills and engage with other 4-H members, learning work ethic, assisting in painting and joyful memories of unwavering friendships. I have not missed a single fair since. I love everything about our fair. The crisp mornings, smells, tastes and feels. It takes me back to such a simple time, of memories dearly cherished.
4) What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
People may be surprised to know that aside from working at the fairgrounds, I own a business with my husband called Integrity Landworks. I am also a mom and I have a long history working in the medical field and hold numerous certificates pertaining to health care and management. I am certainly well invested in our community and hope to continue adding enrichment to our local area!
5) Why are our local fairgrounds and the North Idaho State Fair such an important part of our community?
When most people think of the fairgrounds, many just think of a 10-day fair at the end of August. It is so much more. In a world that is so divisive, it is truly the community gathering place — it has something for everyone. It is a place that always brings people together. The joy of a wedding, the love of honoring a loved one at a memorial, the excitement of the fair, the adrenaline rush of motocross, the unity of church gatherings or hard work at a home and garden show. This is a place that leaves no person untouched in some way.
We have many events during the year! The North Idaho State fair goes through Aug. 25. Today, Aug. 17, the Fair Foundation is hosting a Brewfest fundraiser. It also has an exciting cornhole tournament at 3 p.m.!
The Fair Foundation is also hosting three days of bingo during the fair. All ages are welcome all three days! Aug. 20 is Senior Day when we are honoring those 60 and over with a discount. The 24th we are teaming up with Make-A-Wish Idaho to support their mission within our community, and even more bingo on the 25th! Make sure to mark your calendars for our annual Cowboy Ball in April of 2025!
