The Bear Lake County Fair Board in Idaho says it got the thumbs up to hold the fair August 10th through the 15th.

That means the board is now busy trying to get everything set up to have operations run normally now. Jennifer Keetch, who serves as chairperson of the board, says this may end up being the biggest event for the community of the year.

“Most other things ahead of the time have been canceled,” Keetch said. “We’re looking forward to it and think it’s going to be really great.”

She says the board hasn’t been able to meet a couple of times due the current pandemic, but plans really start after the fair from the previous year. She says they have been able to reserve the carnival.

“That’s is always a big draw for everybody,” Keetch said.

Maintaining the fair grounds takes money and so Glenn Williamson from the board says they are focused on fundraising. He says a big project they are focused on right now is a new set of bathrooms down by the bleachers at the rodeo grounds.

“It takes a lot of money to do that because it will have to be handicapped equipped,” Williamson said. “That’s one of our big projects and that’s kind of one of our long range goals.”

However, maintenance is also a big part of the focus for the fair grounds. He says they are putting out “a plea” if anyone has any paint, ceramic tile, bathroom tile, leftover lumber, old wooden doors, or a trampoline frame to contact a board member about possibly donating it.

“We’re looking for things like somebody that ordered a gallon of paint and got the wrong color,” Williamson said. “They didn’t return it and it’s sitting in their basement or garage.”

For those attending Drag Montpelier Saturday members of the fair board will be in attendance. They’ll be set up in front of the center theatre. You can arrange a donation of some items needed or donate money.

Keetch says she knows this is a difficult time for everybody, but any little bit will help. Williamson says they are trying something new this year where you can sponsor a carnival ride. They says there will also be chuckwagon races this year and that can have some sponsors as well.

Keetch also says they will be having a queen contest. It will be Saturday May 30th at 9 AM. Contestants interested need to submit a personal resume, an 8 x 10 photo, and a $25 entrant fee. The queen ages will be 16-23, the teen queen will be 12-15, and the princess is 8-11. You need to mail your entries no later than May 23.

She says it is not a bad idea to get updates by following the Bear Lake County Fair Facebook page. You can also mail in donations if necessary.