Agenda - 05-21-2013 - 8c - Laserfiche WebLink

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1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 21, 2013 Action Agenda Item No. 8 -c SUBJECT: Potential Orange County Fair— Preliminary Background Report DEPARTMENT: County Manager; DEAPR, PUBLIC HEARING: (Y /N) No Economic Development; Cooperative Extension Service; Asset Management Services ATTACHMENT(S): 1) Map of Existing County Fairs in NC 2) Draft Staff Report with Appendices INFORMATION CONTACT: Frank Clifton, 245 -2300 David Stancil, 245 -2510 Carl Matyac, 245 -2050 Laurie Paolicelli, 919 - 968 -2064 Noah Ranells, 245 -2330 PURPOSE: To receive a report providing background information about county fairs in North Carolina, and information related to existing events, infrastructure and managing structures for a potential Orange County Fair. BACKGROUND: This report is provided for the Board's consideration based on discussion of the concept of a County Fair at the Board's goal- setting retreat on February 1. County fairs in North Carolina (and other parts of the country) have a long history dating back to the late 19th century. At present, approximately 42 county or community agricultural fairs occur across North Carolina annually by a wide variety of different organizations, with significant differences in the level of involvement of county government and the nature of the events themselves. On February 1, at the Board's goal- setting retreat, the Board raised this idea and the need for more information about the concept of a possible Orange County Fair, and instructed the County Manager to gather information toward this end. The attached draft report attempts to provide preliminary background information on county fairs in the state in general, managing structures of fairs, infrastructure needs and activities, and a look at similar existing local events that may provide useful context. As the Board reviews this information and discusses the topic, it may be useful to consider the following questions or subjects: • What type of fair is envisioned (activities, vendors, theme) — what is the desired vision? • The relationship to existing similar events and the potential for coordination; • The process for planning the creation of a County Fair; • The variety of options for a managing entity or structure for a fair;