Bannock County Fair board proposes new multiuse building; commissioners ask for detailed budget and MOU

Fair Board members told the county commission that the Bannock County Fair is growing and asked for support to pursue a new building at the fairgrounds to accommodate expanding 4‑H participation and events.

Zach, representing the fair board, said participation and community investment have risen markedly: the county has roughly 16,000 youth in the 4‑H age range, the board estimates it has reached 50% (about 8,000) of that population through programs, and fair auction proceeds rose from roughly $50,000 in 2016 to about $300,000 last year. Zach said last year’s fair had 359 participants, up from 78 in 2020.

The fair board asked to use up to 65% of the fair maintenance budget to partner with Farm Bureau to build a roughly 100‑by‑200‑foot (20,000 sq. ft.) multiuse structure to host fair activities and other events. Commission discussion emphasized that fairgrounds buildings are county assets and that any funding or long‑term use must be defined through a legal memorandum of understanding (MOU). A commissioner said ARPA funds have been used on prior fair projects and that the timing and budget treatment of any new request must be considered in the county budget process.

Commissioners asked the fair board to present two options during the budget cycle: a baseline plan showing outcomes and limitations if no new building is added, and a sponsored expansion plan with detailed costs, revenue expectations and operations. Commissioners also asked that Dan (county facilities staff) and the county attorney be involved from the outset. The board did not approve any expenditure at the meeting; commissioners asked the fair board to return with the requested plans for the next budget discussion.