Fairgrounds manager reports record entries, borrowed chicken cages and outlines irrigation and bleacher plans

The fairgrounds manager briefed the board on fair preparations and operational issues. Staff said fair entries were unusually high this year — animal barns and crafts areas are full — and reported that neighboring counties (Ferry, Chelan, Lincoln, Davenport and others) lent more than 150 chicken cages, helping staff absorb a sudden entry increase.

Manager Nick (Fairgrounds Superintendent) described recurrent irrigation problems: several buried lateral lines and valve assemblies in aisle areas have been damaged by vehicle traffic and need relocation to perimeter service, and some isolated heads broke when staff flushed lines during summer commissioning. He recommended moving main risers to the infield perimeter and exploring automated sprinkler solutions. A vendor quoted durable, pop‑up sprinkler heads on swing joints and suggested concrete protection collars to reduce damage from vehicle traffic. The manager also discussed the potential to install zones and program run sequences to avoid daily manual sprinkler moves.

Bleachers: Omak indicated it may surplus several bleacher sections; managers suggested inspecting that equipment as a lower‑cost option and refurbishing frames and planks as necessary. The manager said two existing arena bleachers are beyond economical repair.

Why it matters: The fair is a major community event; infrastructure (irrigation and seating) affects safety, aesthetics and operations. Moving toward automated or protected pop‑up sprinklers could reduce labor and repeated repairs.

Next steps: Staff will get refined irrigation proposals, check surplus bleacher options with Omak and other fair partners, and prepare a grant or budget submission for possible irrigation upgrades. The manager also requested that commissioners visit the grounds informally during the fair to see conditions on the ground.