Metropolitan King County Council 516 Third Ave., Rm. 1200 Seattle, WA 98104 Phone: 206-296-1000 Toll Free: 800-325-6165 TTY/TDD: 206-296-1024 Fax: 206-296-0198 council@kingcounty.gov
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Oct. 29, 2008 Community turns out to save the King County Fair On Wednesday, October 22, 2008 before a packed audience at the field house in Enumclaw Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer voiced his desire to save the 145 year old fair. “Our fair weathered the Civil War, two world wars and a Great Depression, let’s work to help it survive this challenge.” Said von Reichbauer.
The town hall meeting drew over 200 concerned citizens from all over King County. From young 4H and Future Farmers of America participants to parents and citizens who see this as a permanent event in their town. Many citizens stood up to speak about what the fair means to them and what it would mean if the fair was cancelled. Parents along with their children waited their turn at the podium as each person delivered their passionate plea to save the fair.
“Doing away with the fair would be very sad for our kids who participate in 4H and show their animals,” said a concerned mother of a 4H participant.
The King County Fair dates back to 1863 and over the years it has evolved to an agricultural event that draws 4H and FFA participants. To many this is a stepping stone to further their farming and ranching interests while others enjoy this down-home event for its agricultural roots. In the past few years, the fair has taken a different format, scaled back to three days and last year it was a free to the public event. Some citizens were concerned about the developments and worried that this would put the fair in jeopardy. On Monday October 20, a proposal was put before the King County Council to close the fair in hopes to help the county budget shortfall.
“Given the importance of this fair to our young people and to our community we must find solutions to preserve this fair,” said von Reichbauer. “The fair is a valued part of our agrarian roots, it also showcases the agricultural products, practices, and people that are vital to our region’s economy. We need to work creatively to explore new partnerships which should include Washington State University, the City of Enumclaw, and the 4H organization. We can’t let our fair go without a fight.”
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