There's a lot going right at the fair

Dear editor:

I would like to address the editorial opinion dated July 24, 2013.

Let me introduce myself for the record. I am Larry Jewett, chairman of the Elmore County Fair and Rodeo Board. I have been on the board through four managers.

First, let me address the carnival issue. Yes, when Cathy was the manager we did have a larger carnival and they walked out on the last year of the contract, leaving the board scrambling.

Yes, the bounce houses where there that year. We were able to get a midsized carnival after that out of Northern Idaho for the next five years. We had to fit their schedule, thus here we are, time wise. But because of economic time and fuel cost, they would not renew. Just plain cost too much to come here.

So with that, here we are today. With the larger carnivals, many went out of business; we hired a company out of Utah. Yes, on the way here from their last shows they lost some rides due to mechanical breakdown of transportation equipment and were not able to get them all here. There are fewer and fewer carnivals out here that fit us and other entities pay them to come, which we are unable to do. Yes, we are always on the search for others and have contacted many.

So, now let's talk vendors. We have only so much power available in the midway area. Unlike past years, we now have to get a state electrical permit for the vendor and the carnival. This created a situation where we had to consolidate some of the power to make it legal and safe. That is why there are limitations on the vendors.

Yes, we are working on this and try to make improvements when funding is available.

So I have addressed what you feel is WRONG with the fair, now I will address what is RIGHT.

There have been many improvements made over the past several years that never get mentioned.

* New canopy over the rodeo bleachers (old one blew down the day after the fair several years ago).

* New cook shack at the rodeo grounds.

* New entertainment stage (old one was a trailer).

* New swine barn roof.

* New Fence around the Rodeo Arena.

* New Small Animal Barn (never had one).

* Addition to the sheep and beef barns.

* AC Added In Exhibit Hall.

* New ceiling/insulation and lighting in exhibit hall (help of GF economic).

These are some of the good things being done to the grounds.

Now let's talk about the MOST important improvement to our little county fair -- youth participation. Yes, we are growing in number of local youth that participate in the fair.

With a limited budget, and shrinking every year, I believe the board of commissioners, fair board and managers (past and present) have brought the fair a long way.

It will only keep getting better with the help of the communities and the people of Elmore County.

Please feel free to contact any board member or the manager with suggestions, advice or the offer of help. It is always appreciated.

-- Larry Jewett, ECFRB Chairman