Price Is Likely To Increase For Entrance To Navajo County Fair

One suggestion made by Vice President Mike Sample, who was presiding in the absence of President Mike Mellor, was to increase the gate price to $8, with entry to the fair to also include entry to the rodeo or the demolition derby. This would reduce the need for additional ticket sellers and security at the arena gate.

While some board members supported the idea, others were concerned that such a steep increase would turn away visitors who come strictly for lunch or to enjoy the various exhibits. It was then suggested that a lower price of $4 be offered for children to make the price affordable in those situations.

Those attending agreed that a final decision would be made at the April 4 meeting and that in the meantime, board members should seek public feedback on what would be a fair and equitable price for visitors to pay at the gates.

In the area of entertainment for the fair, the board decided that a live band will be performing both Friday and Saturday evenings after the rodeo event, something that hasn’t been scheduled for several years.

The board also agreed to have a dressing room built for the Junior Miss contestants that could also be utilized by performers at the fair. The room will be approximately 20’x18’, and was approved at a construction cost of no more that $4,000.

Each year the fair board hosts an appreciation dinner following the fair to thank sponsors and volunteers who participated in the event. This year the board has decided to do things differently in an effort to cut back costs, and save time and energy.

Entertainment Director Mina Henning suggested that rather than host the dinner that gift baskets be made prior to the fair and presented to all of the fair’s sponsors. The basket would include commemorative items, miscellaneous appreciation items and the sponsor’s tickets to the fair.

Henning said she felt this would resolve the recurring issue of sponsors coming to the office during the fair to obtain tickets and generally receiving more than was agreed upon.

For the volunteers, a buffet dinner would be made available on the last afternoon of the fair and those who attend will receive a tote bag filled with appreciation items and a plaque.

“Our volunteers come from all different areas and this way we can get them while they’re still here,” stated Henning, adding that sponsors may also take advantage of the dinner if they are present.

The board heartily agreed with the idea as a way to be prepared in advance, to wrap up fair activities the last day of the fair and from there begin work on the 2012 fair.

The board also approved a $1,500 increase in advertising funds for this year’s fair. Henning explained to the board that since this will be the 80th event, commemorative items should be purchased that would also promote the upcoming fair. She suggested items such as pins, mugs and other novelties. Prior to this approval, the advertising budget was $7,500.

This year ATMs will once again be made available to patrons of the fair. It was admitted by the board that the item was overlooked last year and was sorely missed, as patrons had to leave the fairgrounds in order to obtain cash.

It was also mentioned that a new director for the Junior Miss program was selected to fill the vacancy created last fall. Jill Gillespie, a former Navajo County Fair Rodeo Queen, has been chosen and begins immediately.

In other action, the board:

* Approved a request from a new 4-H horse club forming in Joseph City to allow monthly use of the arena. The group is hoping to hold barrel racing, roping and other events as fundraisers.

* Approved a contract with Don Stier of Maplegate Technology for web design on the fair’s website. The cost is a one-time fee of $300 to $500 for set-up, then a monthly hosting fee of $71.95.

* Approved a facilities request made by Mike and Linda Sandoval for June 18.

* Approved the purchase of a used HP laptop for open class operations at a cost of $550.