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Fairgrounds director previews concerts, rodeo growth and budget pressures ahead of summer events
Summary
The county fairgrounds director told commissioners the fair office has signed a three‑year carnival contract, is finalizing grandstand entertainment and sponsorships, and is monitoring possible reductions to Washington State Fair funding that could lower expected support this year.
Greg Liebeck, director of the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds, updated the Board of Commissioners on preparations for the 2025 fair, sponsorships, arena lighting and traveler events during the March 3 meeting.
Liebeck said concert and grandstand bookings are mostly complete and that the office signed a new three‑year agreement with its carnival operator. The fairgrounds staff shortened the live‑entertainment footprint this year to rely primarily on a single main (Pepsi) stage rather than two rented stages, a change Liebeck said was meant to reduce production costs. He also said the office has pursued sponsorship revenue more aggressively, reporting a substantial increase in local corporate sponsorship commitments.
The fairgrounds is pursuing capital improvements that include new arena lighting; Liebeck said Musco had ordered equipment and that construction would depend on foundation approvals and funder decisions. He estimated a May 1 completion target for the arena‑lighting installation if approvals come through in time for the rodeo and high‑school state championships scheduled for mid‑May.
He reported the county’s concert and special-event ticketing and merchant services systems were being updated to reduce past chargeback exposure and to improve online sales processes. Liebeck said the grandstand and season‑ticket invoices were mailed, and that the office plans only a modest platform‑price increase in the coming year, noting that admission prices had not been raised in several years.
On funding, Liebeck told commissioners that the county’s expected award from a Washington funding source had dropped from about $3 million to roughly $2 million, and that the fair office would learn its final allotment in April. He said the fair will adapt to a smaller allocation but noted the reduction will require revenue offsets.
Other operational items covered: progress on capital ribbon and exhibitor inventory management, a three‑year beverage contract in process, weekly event newsletters, and an updated exhibitor handbook and online registration that opened earlier than prior years. He also described changes to demo‑derby rules (new tire types and larger heats) intended to reduce debris and increase spectator safety.
Ending Liebeck concluded that fair preparations are on track while flagging a near‑term funding shortfall that may require program adjustments; commissioners asked for follow‑up emails with event details and dates so they can attend.
