Kootenai fairgrounds master plan unveiled
COEUR d’ALENE — North Idaho State Fair leadership unveiled a $280 million master plan to rejuvenate and expand the fairgrounds Monday, though they cautioned that it won’t come to fruition unless Kootenai County commissioners agree to a long-term lease for the fairgrounds.
The plan’s first phase, including fundraising and construction, is expected to unfold over the next decade. Beyond that, the timeline isn’t firm.
“I’d love to see (all phases complete) in 30 years,” said Alexcia Jordan, general manager and CEO of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds and the North Idaho State Fair
At present, the 81-acre fairgrounds have 26 buildings, three arenas and 42 campsites.
Phase One of the master plan, estimated to cost about $50 million, includes adding a 49,500-square-foot expo hall, as well as a 25,000-square-foot multipurpose livestock building that would allow the fairgrounds to host larger events. The buildings would include space for fair administrative staff and University of Idaho extension services.
The following five phases of the plan include renovations to existing facilities, a new maintenance building, another livestock barn, new hoop barns for horse stalls, an expanded RV park, an indoor arena with seating for 6,000 people, new walkways and roads and more. Each phase includes improved parking and infrastructure.
Jordan said these improvements, rolled out over many years, would allow the fairgrounds to meet increasing demand. Market research conducted by the fair reportedly indicates that the fair and community events have the biggest potential for growth, followed by exhibitions, horse shows, rodeos and livestock, small animal and agricultural events.
Jordan said the fairgrounds has about $2.5 million already in the facilities fund and noted that the Fair Foundation recently received a $500,000 donation.
Tax dollars are not part of the equation, Jordan said.
Private donors will contribute at least 20% of the needed funds for the project’s first phase, she said, and several are already on board with the master plan. But donors are reluctant to make a formal commitment before a long-term lease is signed with the county.
“They’re not willing to offer up funds unless we have a secure location,” Jordan said.
The fair will pursue grants for the remaining funds, Jordan said, and no renovations or construction will begin before the funds are secured.
“We’re in the practice of raising the funds before we build anything,” she told commissioners.
Rumors have long swirled that the county might move the fairgrounds to the Rathdrum Prairie. In 2019, commissioners considered the fairgrounds as a possible site for expanded county operations, though Commissioners Chris Fillios and Bill Brooks ultimately rejected the notion. Commissioner Leslie Duncan supported it.
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.
Commissioner Bill Brooks reiterated his support for a long-term lease, saying it would provide needed stability.
“I know this community supports that fair,” he said.
Fair Foundation board member Bat Masterson urged commissioners to review a recent town hall meeting about the future of the fair, attended by more than 100 people. The message from those who attended was clear, he said: Kootenai County should support the North Idaho State Fair and Rodeo at its current location.
“I strongly suggest you agree to a long-term lease with the fair in support of this master plan,” he said.
Dave Paul, chair of the Gem State Stampede Rodeo committee, said moving the fairgrounds isn’t feasible and the county should invest in the existing facilities.
“I challenge you not to underestimate how hard it would be to move the fairgrounds out of Coeur d’Alene, not to mention what it would cost you,” he told commissioners.
Jordan