Thursday, county commissioners joined together with county fair managers and staff to advocate for increased funding for county fairgrounds during County Fair Day at the Capitol. 

Wallowa County Commissioner Todd Nash, Union County Commissioner Paul Anderes, and Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone participated in the event on behalf of their counties and the work of Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) to strengthen state support for county fairgrounds.

Advocates met with over 40 policy-makers and other officials. In their meetings, participants advocated for two funding requests. Nash, a leader in the effort, commented on the importance of state support for county fairgrounds, “fairgrounds are staples in our communities, providing emergency shelter and services, resources for life-long learning, and strengthening our local economies.”

The larger ask, an allocation of $900,000 to counties, would support overall operations for county fairgrounds. Currently, county fairgrounds are allocated around $53,000 per year from the state. If funded, the request would bring $25,000 in additional revenue to each county, helping staff the fairgrounds, complete maintenance, and provide general operational support.

The second funding request for counties, though smaller in dollar value, could result in a greater impact. Attendees of County Fair Day asked legislators for $250,000 to conduct a study on capital construction needs, economic impacts, staffing, and capacity. 

Flat state funding has not kept pace with rising costs for fairgrounds. Some rural fairgrounds are seeing challenges in keeping doors open. The study would help counties advocate for increased funding in future legislative sessions, establishing clear needs-based costs.

AOC members and partners are continuing to share county stories and needs related to fairgrounds funding and are working with the ways and means committee members to bring the requests to the forefront.

For questions or more information about county fair advocacy efforts at AOC, contact Legislative Affairs Manager, Patrick Sieng.

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate