The Wallowa County Fair director updated the county commissioners Aug. 4 that fair preparations were on track, with 4,322 entries and about 800 exhibitors registered as the sign-up deadline approached. "Tomorrow is the last day to sign up for entries for the fair," the director said, noting a late surge in submissions.

Why it matters: The fair is a major community event and revenue source for the fairgrounds. Commissioners heard that vendor participation was near normal but that some volunteer-run nonprofit booths are dropping out because of lack of volunteers.

Details: The director said sponsorships were strong, with several new sponsors and most chute sign inventory sold. Ticket sales were ahead of 2024 in some measures but rental income year-to-date was down, and the director said demo-derby grandstand seating was nearing sellout. The department reported about $25,000 in funding from the state Department of Commerce that could be used for design or preliminary work on planned capital improvements such as seating or railing upgrades.

Commissioner Clayton and the director discussed possible operational changes, including extending evening closing hours to midnight to raise rental and beverage revenue; the fair currently closes at 11:30 p.m. and alcohol sales stop one hour earlier. The director said he would draft recommendations after the fair and run them past commissioners for input.

Staffing and safety: Commissioners praised fairboard volunteers and fairgrounds staff for readiness during a recent nearby brush fire; the facility served as a Red Cross mobilization point and stood ready to house livestock or people if needed. The director said improvements to entrances and grading were underway and noted continued maintenance and capital projects planning.

Ending: Commissioners encouraged more marketing of existing evening hours, asked the director to return after the fair with recommendations on extended hours and other revenue options, and thanked fairboard volunteers for their work ahead of the event.