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Harney County Court outlines fair manager hiring plan as fairgrounds expand programming
Summary
The county court announced a search for a new fair manager, described a five‑to‑seven person selection panel including fair board and OSU extension representatives, and heard updates about facility upgrades, sponsorships, and a projected influx of state lottery/racehorse funds.
Harney County Court on June 17 discussed the process to replace the departing fair manager, and received a series of updates on fairground facilities, event programming and funding that county leaders say could expand tourism and local economic activity.
The court said the fair manager position will remain posted through June 30; candidate review is scheduled for the first week of July with interviews the following week. The hiring panel will include fair board representation and county court members; the court said it will invite an outside fair manager or business owner and consider an OSU extension representative as well. “My intent is five,” the presiding official said when describing a target of five panelists for interviews.
Fair stakeholders reported recent operational improvements. Amanda Tyler, chair of the livestock committee, described purchases made with recent grant funding — new panels, a shared show office and administrative support from OSU extension — and said increased sponsorships allowed organizers to waive exhibitor fees this year. “We’ve had more sponsors come in than we had in the past,” Tyler said, noting volunteers remain in high demand and that paid night‑watch staffing may be necessary to ensure animal and public safety.
County leaders also discussed infrastructure work at the fairgrounds: doors and siding for a new event building are arriving, electrical and plumbing upgrades are in progress, and deferred maintenance remains extensive. Officials flagged a recent legislative change that will allocate a portion of state lottery or racehorse funds to fairgrounds: historically about $50,000, the judge said, with a projected increase to roughly $270,000 next year that could fund major projects.
Why it matters: The fairgrounds and events represent a concentration of visitors and local spending that county leaders say can provide outsized economic returns for Harney County businesses. Officials said investing in infrastructure and staffing could broaden the fairgrounds’ role as a year‑round event center.
Next steps: The court will accept applications through June 30, coordinate HR review after the posting closes, and schedule interviews the week after review. Fair partners will continue facility upgrades and convene volunteer and security plans ahead of the fair.
