Submitted photo

Members of the Fair Board pose with Fair Court Queen Rylee Wilkinson.

In response to the discussion that took place at the Harney County Court meeting held on Oct. 4, 2023, the Harney County Fair Board would like to address the following:

First and foremost, the Fair Board was not invited nor notified of the topic “Fairgrounds Capital Project Update” being placed on the agenda for the scheduled meeting. The Fair Board was of the understanding that common practice within the County Court system is to reach out to representatives when their projects are placed on the agenda. The Harney County Fair Board is more than open to discussions about the event center. However, having this topic placed on the County Court agenda and negatively speaking about the topic without providing the board the opportunity to be present does not foster the relationship that the Fair Board believed to be in place. To date, any request the Fair Board has received has been responded to appropriately, completely, and timely.

The Fair Board believes the public is aware that, over the course of the last three years, the Fair Board members have diligently researched and understand the working knowledge of fairs, events, livestock shows, vendors, etc. The Fair Board feels they are very capable of making the best-informed decisions with expertise, experience, and numerous hours of research put into this project.

The County Court liaison to the Fair Board is Commissioner Kristen Shelman. The board finds her to be a valuable resource. The Fair Board is an appointed board of volunteers who serve the best interest of the entire community in all of their decisions.

Harney County Fair Board