Orange County NC Website
are some of these events out there now but they are pricey. She said there needs to be research done <br /> regarding the scale, to decide what can be done. <br /> Commissioner Gordon referenced the third item on the Manager's recommendation. She asked if <br /> Laurie Paolicielli could weigh in on how some of the other festivals are set up and what is involved in <br /> fundraising and sponsorship. <br /> Laurie Paolicielli said there is not a one size fits all model. She said there are about 30 events in <br /> Orange County each year that range in scale and funding. She said her estimation was about $250,000 <br /> for a county fair as described. She said the Board would need to look at all of the festivals and see what <br /> is most important. <br /> Commissioner Gordon asked her about sponsorships <br /> Laurie Paolicielli said sponsorships help and that can range from state to national sponsorships. <br /> She said there is county funding, Visitor Bureau funding, corporate funding. She said this is a skeletal <br /> plan at this point, but it appears this event is more local and more county focused versus corporate. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said the manager should discuss the potential for coordinating with other <br /> events. She said it is a good idea to schedule visits to other fairs. She said it would be good to follow up <br /> on what would be involved; which departments would be responsible; whether more staff would be <br /> needed; how this would fit into the departmental structure; and what the infrastructure and operating cost <br /> would look like. She feels that this fair should differ from the state fair and be uniquely local and focused <br /> on Orange County. <br /> Chair Jacobs asked about the specific time frame. <br /> Frank Clifton said some of the existing events may not want to share their venue or time. He said <br /> there would need to be hundreds of volunteers and an organizational structure. He suggested that there <br /> be thought over the summer about who these volunteers would be. He suggested the organization of an <br /> initial group to work on the volunteers. He said that the other fairs are typically paid for by admission <br /> charges and ride fees. He said that having livestock also changes things. He said all of these elements <br /> have to be decided. He said the extension service is a great partner and is involved in all the fairs. He <br /> said this is paid staff, but there is also a huge volunteer pool that makes the events happen. <br /> Chair Jacobs summarized that the common desires he hears from everyone relate to an <br /> economically feasible, agricultural, unifying event, coordinated with other events. <br /> Chair Jacobs suggested having Commissioner Dorosin and another commissioner volunteer to <br /> work with staff between now and June 18th to brainstorm about representatives and groups that can be <br /> partnered with over the summer to start fleshing out some of these ideas. He said this can then be <br /> brought back to a work session for further discussion. <br /> Commissioner Price expressed a desire to bring diversity to the fair and to bring in a diverse group <br /> with representatives from all over the county. <br /> Commissioner Gordon suggested including all of#2 and #3 from the manager's recommendation. <br /> Chair Jacobs said it is premature for doing much more than figuring out the direction. He said his <br /> suggestion is in line with #3. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said she was hopeful that all of the Commissioner's input be considered. <br /> Chair Jacob said the minutes could be used for this purpose. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price that he and <br /> another Commissioner will meet with county staff that put together this report and to bring back on June <br /> 18, 2013, a recommended process for continued exploration on the scope, feasibility, costs, local focus <br /> and a suggested list of collaborators to participate in the county fair research to start over the summer <br /> break. A full report is to be presented to the Board in the early fall. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Rich to nominate <br /> Commissioner Price to this County Fair Working Group. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />