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King County Fair to receive funding boost from County
Summary
$50,000 over two years to bolster summertime tradition
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| (l-r) Enumclaw City Administrator Chris Searcy, Councilmember Dunn, Executive Constantine, Claire the King County Fair Bear, Enumclaw Mayor Liz Reynolds, and Richard Corella, President, Enumclaw Expo Center. |
The longest running fair west of the Mississippi is receiving a financial shot in the arm from King County. The King County Fair will continue to welcome guest to the Enumclaw Expo Center after an agreement by the County to contribute $50,000 to help fund the Fair.
Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn and King County Executive Dow Constantine made the announcement on the funds for the fair. The funds, which will be distributed over the next two years, will strengthen fair operations and will help to ensure the continued success of the longstanding summer event.
“Besides providing great entertainment, the King County Fair plays a vital role in preserving King County’s agricultural roots, which is especially important as we as a region work to increase the amount of food produced locally,” said Councilmember Dunn, whose District hosts the fair each summer. “I want to thank the County Executive and my colleagues on the County Council for their continued support of the King County Fair.”
“By supporting 4-H and its youth education programs at the Fair, we celebrate our rich agricultural heritage and 152 years of the County Fair,” said Executive Constantine. “I am pleased to partner with the City of Enumclaw to continue this treasured summertime tradition for families.”
This year’s fair will run July 16-19, at the Enumclaw Expo Center, 45224 284th Avenue SE. With the first fair in 1863—26 years before Washington became a state, the 2015 edition of the King County Fair will celebrate its 152nd year of operation.
“Thank you to King Co. Executive Constantine and KC Councilmember Reagan Dunn for your perseverance in helping fund such an important event,” said Enumclaw Mayor Liz Reynolds. “Your continued support of the King County Fair is a wonderful collaboration that will assist in reenergizing the longest running fair west of the Mississippi since 1863 and keep a slice of history alive and strengthen the economy in our rural communities.”
“I want to thank Executive Constantine and Councilmember Dunn for the broad support for the new direction of the fair. Their support has been immeasurable,” said Richard Corella, President of the Enumclaw Expo Center. “I look forward to a long relationship with the County and the Enumclaw/King County Fair. The County has also provided perfect fair weather! We invite everyone to come enjoy all of the events this week.”
The King County Fair is a family friendly event that serves as an outlet for local youth agricultural programs, including 4-H livestock shows and exhibits. The fair also includes traditions fair activities like concerts, games, food and rides.
The Great Recession caused King County to relinquish control of the King County Fair to Enumclaw in 2009. While the fair continues to be an annual summertime tradition, the financial boost will be critical to the overall success of the fair through increasing awareness and attendance.
The $50,000 in funding is in addition to the $10,000 in funding for the fair to assist with costs and operating expenses that Councilmember Dunn helped to secure as part of the Council’s adopted 2015-2016 Biennial Budget.