Editorial: Have fun, explore future of your fair

Who says the f-word is bad?

Fair.

Future.

Fun.

All three of these good “f” words will be front and center Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Kootenai County Administration Building, 451 N. Government Way in Coeur d’Alene.

While the 2024 North Idaho State Fair is still a little over a month away, County Commissioner Bill Brooks is putting a spotlight on the fair and its longtime home, the Kootenai County Fairgrounds.

Wednesday’s Future of the Fair Town Hall will feature fair-worthy treats and visits from friendly beasts, but there’s a practical side to the gathering, as well. Attendees will learn about what’s in store for the fair and the many programs and events that take place year-round at the fairgrounds.

The conversation won’t be one-sided, either. County and fair officials want to hear what you think of the fair, the fairgrounds and their future.

Kootenai County Fairgrounds was established in its current location in the mid-1950s. What once was on the fringe of town is now, nearly three quarters of a century later, centrally located. Most Kootenai County and northern Idaho residents have never known the fairgrounds in another location, and this enormously popular 83-acre gathering place is as accessible as it is familiar.

And yet, every couple of years, someone suggests that the fairgrounds should be sold or converted to some other use. These proposals generally include creating a new fairgrounds out on the prairie somewhere. Fortunately, citizens have met these calls with staunch opposition. They love their fair and they love their fairgrounds right where they are.

Whether or not moving the fairgrounds becomes a hot topic again is unknown, but with the 2024 North Idaho State Fair on the horizon, it’s not too early to start getting excited and see what the future of the fair and fairgrounds might hold both in the short and long term.

Wednesday’s Future of the Fair Town Hall will help attendees learn more about a tremendous asset that we all share a stake in. Much like Commissioner Brooks’ recent Veterans Town Hall, a spotlight on the fair will increase understanding and appreciation for what some might take for granted.

Only this town hall comes with cotton candy.