What's happening at the Fair?

Following last week’s article in The Eagle discussing the proposed funding cuts for the fair I thought it would be best to clarify a couple key issues. Since taking on the role of fair manager I have strived to utilize the fairgrounds, hoping to create a secure financial future.

When I first met with the commissioners in October of 2008 to discuss the next year’s budget, I had every intention of pushing forward with my plan for the fair to become self-reliant. After the December snow storm and the collapse of the commercial building, it became obvious that the fairgrounds would need additional support. The fact that the fairgrounds themselves were unsafe and therefore inaccessible to the public for eight months out of the year left us with little options.

The Wahkiakum Fair Association was created by the county fair board in January of 2007 under fair manager Kathleen Morgain as a way to raise money as a registered non-profit. Currently chaired by ex-county fair board member Mike Mouliot, the fair association is responsible for fundraising for the fair and is operated by volunteers.

The only registered non-profit with 501(c3) charitable status is the Wahkiakum Fair Friends, managed through the Wahkiakum Community Foundation. By accessing the 501(c3) charitable status the fair can apply and receive a great deal of additional funding through grants. It is my aim to work alongside the foundation, creating new opportunities for additional revenue.

The fair has been part of this community for over a century and is an important part of our culture. Future generations deserve the right to experience our summer tradition so now is the time to join together. If you’d like to become involved contact the fair office or come to next week’s fair board meeting. Don’t miss your chance to help make a difference and let your voice be heard.

Time is running out and I need your help. Start brainstorming as the fair board and I need a new fair theme for 2010. Entries will be accepted until January 12 with the winner decided at the January fair board meeting. This year’s contest is generously sponsored by the Wahkiakum Fair Friends who have donated $25 for first prize. So pick up the phone, draft an email or send in a postcard as we need your entries today.

Coming soon will be the new fair website (www.wahkiakumfair.org), so get ready to bookmark a new favorite and watch this space, as we go live in 2010!

We need a theme for our 102nd fair this summer and time is running out. The winner will be chosen at our next board meeting on January 13 so start sending in your entries today. Entries can be emailed (wahkiakumfair@centurytel.net) mailed (PO Box 1, Skamokawa, WA, 98647), or left via phone 360-795-0419. You can enter as many times as you want so get started as first prize is $25 cash! The fair board is also looking for new volunteers and potential members to join one of the new fair committees.

The next Wahkiakum County Fair board meeting is January 13 at 7 p.m. in the 3rd floor meeting room of the courthouse. The public is always welcome to attend.

The fair office is now open by appointment only. If you need to gain access to the fairgrounds please contact the fair office 360-795-3480 or leave a message on my cell phone 360-355-7743.