COVID-19 vaccines at the fairgrounds

POMEROY–COVID-19 vaccine center set at the Dick Brown Community Building, Garfield County Commissioners approved increase in fairground RV rental space and fair ticket costs for 2021, the creation of Fair Board by-laws in the works, and Shepherd Foundation approved a $10,000 grant, the Garfield County Fair Board heard recently.

Garfield County Health District (GCHD) will be using the Dick Brown Community Building beginning January 29 on Fridays and Saturdays through the month of February to administer COVID-19 vaccines. Set-up will be on Fridays, and Saturdays will be for appointments to receive the vaccine.

Board president Sara Lunsford reported that she had presented the proposed price increases for recreational vehicle (RV) rental spaces at the fairgrounds and the cost of fair tickets to the county commissioners and they had approved them.

Lunsford said she had sent a letter to all the existing fair board members asking them if they would like to continue being a member of the board and asked for a response by February 1. She also told the group that she has been looking for by-laws for the fair board but after not finding much in the search she consulted the commissioners about writing new by-laws. Lunsford has obtained copies of by-laws from neighboring fairs and will be using those to help write a draft for the board to tentatively review and discuss at the February meeting.

The Shepherd Foundation approved a $10,000 grant for Phase 1 of the sprinkler system and a grant in the amount of $1,500 was approved for six new pens in the hog barn. The Blue Mountain Community Foundation could potentially match those funds as well.

In other business, Eastern Washington Agricultural Museum (EWAM) representative David Ruark indicated it appears that it will not be practical to hold Spring Farming Days this year.

Lisbeth Randall introduced Monica Bartlow as the new fair board treasurer and they presented the treasurers’ report.

The Garfield County Fair Board met via teleconference on January 19, 2021, with twelve members and two guests in attendance. Minutes from the December meeting were read and approved.

The next meeting will be February 16, 2021.