By Tammy Gray “This year we’re moving forward with planning on our fair,” Navajo County Fair Board President Mike Sample told the Holbrook City Council during a meeting on March 25. “It’s the 90th annual fair that’s held in Holbrook. It moved from Taylor in 1931.” Sample was on hand to thank the council for their continued contribution and support of the Navajo County Fair Board and to give an update on upcoming activities at the fairgrounds. In addition to barrel races, ropings and gymkhanas, the Arizona Junior High School Rodeo Association finals will be held at the fairgrounds next month. “That’s approximately 500 kids and their families,” Sample said. “We’ve been trying for about 10 years to get them here.” He told the council that other events, such as a rodeo in June, two livestock shows and a Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) barrel race are expected to draw people from across the state, as well as neighboring states such as Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and California. Those participants and their families add to the local economy by staying, eating, and shopping in Holbrook. Sample explained that the junior high school finals and the WPRA race are both firsts for Holbrook and he hopes they continue each year. “There’s only 12 or 13 Fridays or Saturdays that aren’t booked so far this year,” he said in regards to the rodeo arena. “We thank you for the contribution that the city gives.” Councilman Kip Woolford noted that being able to hold the events and the fair is important both for the economy and for morale. “This year is really important,” he said. “Morale in this whole region is way down and this kind of fair is a way to brighten up some spirits. Whatever support I can give, you got it.” During the meeting, the council also heard from Hidden Cove Golf Course manager Steve Rutherford, who explained that thanks to a volunteer effort, membership at the golf course has doubled and the golf carts are being cared for and protected. “The volunteers are covering everything right now,” he told the council. “Our long-term plan is to get fully staffed.” According to Rutherford, there are approximately 43 hours per week that the golf course is open that the part-time staff is not able to be present. He explained to the council that although the volunteers have been doing a great job making improvements and running part of the day-to-day operations, he is extremely concerned that they will become burned out from taking on so many hours each week. The golf course is typically open from dawn until dusk and this summer will be open as early as 5 a.m. He noted, however, that golf carts won’t be available until 8 a.m. in the summer, and will also be unavailable if staff or volunteers are not on site. “We no longer have the honor system. Right now if nobody is in the clubhouse, carts are not available,” he said. “I’ve seen it abused too often.” In other action on March 25, the council: * Proclaimed the week of April 12-16 as Hashknife Pony Express Week. * Designated the month of April as Happy Holbrook Month. * Approved a proclamation designating Tuesday, April 6, as National Service Recognition Day. The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 8, at city hall. Meetings are also broadcast live on Facebook.
