Former Fair Manager thanks the community

To The Eagle:

Thank you for all your support over the last two years. Fulfilling the role of fair manager is not an easy task but I am thankful to have had the opportunity and feel lucky to be part of this community. As many of you know my husband Paul has been my number one supporter, volunteering his time and energy to restoring the fairgrounds. His dedication and generosity has been invaluable and I wish to thank him and all of the fair volunteers who helped during my time as the fair manager.

Many local businesses and non-profit groups also helped shape the new fairgrounds, donating fund raiser prizes, acting as sponsors; working together in partnership. I especially wish to thank Jim at Ace Hardware, Mike at Cathlamet Pharmacy, Wally at Wright Pro Hardware, Kay at Lower Columbia Realty, Under Sheriff Jon Dearmore, the entire Eagle staff as well as the wonderful people at the Wahkiakum Community Network. The Grays River Grange has been especially kind, with Donna Moody and Krist Novoselic leading the way. While Skamokawa Grange members Kathleen Morgain, Sunrise and Jessica Fletcher, Kitty Speranza and the lovely Jon Luthi rolled up their sleeves and lent a hand at every opportunity.

The new arena will be a source of revenue for the county for many years to come and I am thrilled I was able to help in the completion and management of the new structure. Next year the governor has decided to cut the budget, so there will be no state funding which usually pays for our entertainment, judges and premium points. One of my main goals was to reduce spending and generate income for the fairgrounds, eliminating our reliance on tax dollars. I am extremely proud that each year I came almost $10,000 under budget and in just under two years, generated over $25,000 in grants for the fair.

Due to the year round use of the campground (managed voluntarily by my husband) and the use of buildings for storage, for the first time in the fair's history the fair is actually making a profit, generating enough funds to support itself. My goal for this year was to continue cuts on spending, ensuring the money is available for 2011 but due to the recent decision of the fair board I am no longer serving as your fair manager.

I must admit I was disappointed when the fair board decided not to reappoint me but I wish to thank Bill Coons and Martha Backman for their support and dedication to the fair. Both of these fair board members have only worked towards the greater good, focusing on the best interest of the fair.

Thank you all again for your kindness and support, Paul and I are proud to call Wahkiakum our home and plan to start a small nursery. We have much to be thankful for and are over the moon as we look forward to welcoming our first child come September.

Sarah Lawrence

Former Fair Manager