Town hall will address fair’s future

COEUR d’ALENE — Community members are invited to learn about the history of Kootenai County fairgrounds and weigh in on its future at a town hall meeting in July. 

The “Future of the Fair” town hall is from 6 to 8 p.m. July 10 at the Kootenai County Administration Building. 

Kootenai County Commissioner Bill Brooks said he hopes community members will share their priorities and hopes for the fair during the town hall. 

“Why is the North Idaho fair important to you?” he said. “What do you want for the future of the fair? Is the location important to the nature of the fair? I think it is.” 

The town hall comes as county 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, as well as a provision to reserve 7 acres for future expansion of Kootenai County facilities. 

Brooks said he supports a long-term lease for the fairgrounds because it would help preserve the character and culture of Kootenai County. 

“It’s one of the things that makes Kootenai County special,” he said. “I want to keep it that way. I think most people feel that way, too.” 

A long-term lease would also protect the fairgrounds from being sold or developed in the future, Brooks said. Amid rumors that the fairgrounds might relocate, Brooks said he believes the community needs assurance about the fair’s future. 

“There’s always people looking to nibble on what makes North Idaho special,” he said. “That real estate that the fairgrounds sit on is very valuable. You scrape that thing off and put a big development in there and boy, you could make a pretty penny. And trust me — there are people out there who are thinking in those terms.” 

The town hall discussion will also highlight the community events and programs that take place at the fairgrounds, including the 4-H program and the North Idaho State Fair.