PORT ANGELES — Walk-around entertainers, how-to exhibits and new off-stage amusements like gold panning and blacksmithing highlight the Clallam County Fairgrounds 10-year Master Plan.
Approved by county commissioners Tuesday, the plan also calls for making the fairgrounds more like a park, locating better exhibits leading to the west stage and soliciting more sponsors to boost rodeo purses.
Although most improvements won’t be obvious at this year’s fair Aug. 18-21, many will be in place by 2006 and more by 2007.
Some of the plan’s short-term objectives include diversifying the fair with new features to make it more exciting each year and encouraging more exhibitors to show their crafts, animals, art and agricultural wares.
Intermediate objectives include a covered arena, sponsorships for special programs during the fair and partnership events with other agencies.
Long-term goals include organizing a new two-day event to be run by the Fair Board.
30-page document
The 30-page document includes a survey of the condition of the fairgrounds buildings, an accessibility study in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, a 23-year history of fairgrounds improvements, an attendance and revenue report since 1985, and an action plan.
