The Fair Board met on the 3rd to discuss a number of issues pertaining to the upcoming fair season.

After approving the minutes and welcoming members, the chair proceeded with checking in on member assignments.  Pat Werk reported that a potential conflict of scheduling may require a change of day for the Team Roping competition.  It was determined by the Board that changing the day for team roping from Wednesday to Tuesday would be acceptable.  

The MotoCross event was confirmed for Monday of Fair week, and the other entertainment events were under discussion for final confirmation.  

The Board decided to seek volunteer workers once again.  Volunteering for civic organizations, it was noted, can result in a positive resume line for school and job applications.  The Fair Board’s website is under construction, but its Facebook page and/or website will be updated to contain information about applications and the forms necessary to apply.  A motion to pursue publicizing the volunteer positions was made and carried.

The issue of leasing Oneida County’s Simulcast license has been percolating through the County Commission this month.  Oneida County is in a position to apply for one of the few simulcast licenses in the state as a result of its consistent history of running live races.  Once the license is obtained, a group called Midnight Racing in Ada County is interested in leasing it in order to simulcast from the old Les Bois park.  The discussion at the county level has been about the legal framework for the lease agreement, and the potential financial upside.  County Attorney Cody Brower has looked into the issue, and those involved with the decision feel the leasing arrangement is essentially a no-lose situation, where the county stands to make upwards of $40,000 on the lease, as opposed to nothing if it forgoes pursuing the arrangement.  The issue of whether such a situation would allow Malad to broadcast its own races as part of the simulcast setup was raised, though it was determined that the infrastructure necessary to establish a simulcast would be cost prohibitive.  Bannock County, for instance, pursued a simulcast arrangement recently and discovered that in order to break even they needed a $90,000 handle, and their average handle was $45,000.

A motion was made to change the Queen contest to June 11th in order to avoid conflict with weigh-in for the sheep show, the classic car show planned for the same week, as well as the swap meet.  The motion was carried.  

An issue with potential water damage in the Road and Bridge Department building, where the Fair Board’s filing cabinets are currently stored, will require the Board to relocate their records temporarily to the Event Center storage.

The Fair Board moved forward with formulating an ad for a groundskeeper position for the Fair season, to begin in April.  The ad will be posted on the Board’s website, Facebook page, and other media until the position is filled.  

The issue of whether to contract with the company responsible for bringing “paintless paintball” to the fair last year was discussed.  While the event was essentially a financial loss last year, it was noted that it was very popular, and provided a lot of entertainment for visitors, especially kids.  The tentative decision to renew the paintless paintball contract was made.

Arrangements for the musical entertainment were ongoing, as the previously sought musical act was not going to be able to perform this year.

A rifle for the raffle was located and purchased, with the purchase of a pistol underway.  A generator has already been obtained as a raffle prize.