Fair staff propose ID cards for animal exhibitors; commissioners back plan, ask for formal resolution

Okanogan County fair staff presented a plan to issue photo ID cards to animal exhibitors as an alternative to wristbands, and commissioners supported the idea and asked staff to prepare a formal resolution authorizing the program.

Fair coordinator Laura described operational problems with wristbands — they come off during sports and are difficult for sensory-sensitive children — and said an exhibitor ID card would be easier to carry and harder to transfer. She said a donor would supply the card printer and startup supplies at no cost for the first year. Staff gave cost estimates: 2,500 blank cards about $200; a color ribbon that prints 250 cards for about $77.35; produced per-card cost roughly 38 cents.

Cards would be produced during exhibitor check-in, tied to ShowWorks registration photos where available, and issued only to paid exhibitors. Staff said there would be limited replacement cards issued on a case-by-case basis rather than automatic reissues for lost cards. Commissioners discussed privacy concerns (names/photos of minors) and noted public-facing exhibitor photos already appear in public settings such as barns and social media; fair staff said they can limit printed data to first name, photo, exhibitor number, and barn.

Commissioners instructed staff to draft a formal resolution and return it for signature. The fair team also discussed other operational items during the meeting: veterinarian checks (state guidance says veterinary checks are recommended but not legally required and may be performed by trained animal health professionals), a proposed kids-focused rodeo to better match the fair’s budget of about $27,000, and judge pay and mileage arrangements. Staff said they will discuss judges and compensation at the fair committee meeting.