Community discusses fair’s future at town hall

COEUR d’ALENE — The Kootenai County Fairgrounds play a significant role in the area’s economy, to the tune of $30 million in economic output in 2022 alone. 

But some of the benefits the fairgrounds provide to the community can’t be expressed in dollars and cents. 

“You can’t put a price on smiles,” Kevin Kirking, secretary for the North Idaho Fair Board, said as he looked out at a crowd of more than 100 people Wednesday night. 

The crowd gathered at the Kootenai County Administration Building on Wednesday for a town hall about the fairgrounds' past and future. It was standing room only, with people lining up along the walls when no empty chairs remained. 

Kootenai County Commissioner Bill Brooks organized the town hall as he and his fellow commissioners weigh a multi-decade lease agreement for the fairgrounds. 

The proposed 20-year lease agreement between the fair board and the county would include two 10-year optional renewal periods and a provision to reserve 7 acres for future expansion of Kootenai County facilities. 

Brooks has stated publicly that he supports a long-term lease for the fairgrounds. 

Alexcia Jordan, general manager and CEO of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds and the North Idaho State Fair, said she’s unaware of any public plans to move the fairgrounds. 

Still, Jordan said, rumors of a future move have swirled for years, creating uncertainty in the community and among potential donors who are considering investing in improvements to the fairgrounds. 

“It would be impractical and downright unethical for us, as a board, to solicit funds for future improvement without a long-term commitment,” Kirking said. 

One of the desired projects is to renovate and expand the Jacklin Building to accommodate larger events. Fair organizers would like to fundraise and complete the project over several years, but Jordan said they first need to know where the fair will be at the end of that period. 

“Sponsors need to know this is going to be a long-lasting facility and it’s going to be right where it is,” said Joe Dobson, Kootenai/Shoshone Farm Bureau president. 

Jordan said fairs across Idaho are grappling with how to safeguard their futures amid population growth and other challenges. 

“I do see this as a problem, specifically in Idaho,” she said. “I do not see this in other states, especially our neighboring states.” 

Many people spoke about the impact the fair has had on their lives and families, among them Kootenai County resident Amelie Johnson. She described learning the importance of hard work and discipline through her experiences in 4-H. 

The fair will also shape Johnson’s future. 

“Because of our fairgrounds, I am able to attend college in the fall,” she said. 

Johnson was one of 18 students from across Kootenai and Shoshone counties who received scholarships from the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation. Since 2016, the foundation has awarded about $120,000 in scholarships to students enrolled in two- and four-year academic institutions or trade schools, including $21,000 this year. 

Luke Malek, former legislator and co-owner of the Coeur d’Alene-based law firm Smith + Malek, said the fairgrounds are the “heart and soul” of Kootenai County, standing as a symbol of the county’s history and playing an important role today. 

“As much as things change, we can’t let the most important things change,” he said. “We can’t let our culture change.” 

Multiple speakers urged community members to reach out to county commissioners and share their opinions about what the future of the fair should look like. 

“I would encourage (the commissioners) to listen to the community that they have an impact on,” Malek said. “What we stand for truly matters and the fair represents that.” 

Commissioners will meet at 10 a.m. July 22 at the Kootenai County Administration Building for a workshop about the proposed long-term lease agreement. 

    A volunteer hands out cotton candy to town hall attendees.