Beer, alcohol during fair almost reality

Talk about it

The Pierce County Fair is one step away from undergoing one of the biggest changes it has seen in recent years.

The county’s finance and personnel committee approved Monday authorizing the sale of, and prohibiting the carry-on of alcohol and beer on the fairgrounds during the fair.

This move is to increase revenue, Fair Coordinator Ann Webb explained. A public meeting was held in October and the number one suggestion was to have a social garden.

In 1996, the Village of Ellsworth put into law an ordinance prohibiting any beer and alcohol during the fair, something which has been in effect even longer. In December, that ordinance was rescinded.

Webb added the garden is a very doable task, as planning can be done without extra staff, but temporary help will be needed to run it. Another benefit of this, she said, is it will reduce the dependence of the fair on the county levy.

Pierce County was one of six fairs out of 76 in 2012 that didn’t sell beer. Surveys taken during last year’s fair indicate fairgoers would continue to attend the fair if there was a social garden.

Other suggestions included raising ticket prices, charging for parking, adding another day of admission, and charging fees to animal exhibitors and commercial vendors.

The request now goes to the full county board for approval.

For more please read the Feb. 5 print version of the Herald.

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