Lonnie Dixon, the newly elected chair of the Okanogan County Parks and Recreation Board, is looking for ideas and involvement to improve the Okanogan County fair for exhibitors and attendees.
Current projects include new restrooms and the possibility of rebuilding the grandstands and RV park. The fair has received a $50,000 grant from the Washington State Department of Agriculture to get started on the bathrooms, but that is just one-third of the total cost. They are looking for in-kind support from people who can donate time or materials.
Dixon teaches agriculture in Okanogan and has been involved with the Okanogan County fair for 13 years, with a special focus on student exhibitors and the fair’s role in their education.
Board members from the Methow Valley are Bill White and Kris Sims. In addition to running the county fair, the board rents the Agriplex and Annex for other events.
They are also hosting the third-annual crab feed to benefit the fair, with live music and a Valentine’s theme, on Feb. 15, at 5 p.m. in the Agriplex. Tickets are available at Hank’s Harvest Foods and at the door.
Anyone interested in helping with the fair, or with ideas for helping it thrive and grow, should contact the fair office at (509) 422-1621. People are also invited to their regular board meetings on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Agriplex Annex in Okanogan.
