Stevens County Fair Board seeks $45,000 operating support and outlines $1.5 million grandstand plan

Fair Board representatives told the Stevens County Board of Commissioners they are requesting $45,000 in county support for fair operations and maintenance and presented a multi-phase capital project to update the century-old grandstand.

Board members described improvements completed at the recent fair — a replaced fence on County Road 22, expanded children’s areas, new arena lights and a wash rack — and noted strong attendance at headline events, including a rodeo that drew more than 1,500 people. The Fair Board said the $45,000 request would support routine operations and smaller capital needs while staff pursue grant opportunities and private fundraising.

On the capital side, the Fair Board outlined a phased 'Raise the Grandstand' campaign: phase 1 demolition and site work, phase 2 concrete and new aluminum bleacher seating to increase capacity to about 1,200, and phase 3 electrical and restroom upgrades. The board estimated the total fundraising goal at about $1.5 million and said roughly 20% is already secured through a major donation and county support. The project would also address shallow water lines and add ADA restrooms, and organizers said they are pursuing grant and donation partnerships to cover costs.

Commissioners asked about timeline and construction logistics; Fair Board members said some work could occur in the offseason and that temporary bleachers would be rented if needed during construction. The board agreed to continue conversations about county partnership and potential grant-writing assistance.