COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho —
North Idaho State Fair leadership unveiled a $280 million master plan to rejuvenate and expand the fairgrounds, though they cautioned that it won’t come to fruition unless Kootenai County commissioners agree to a long-term lease for the fairgrounds.
The plan’s first phase, including fundraising and construction, is expected to unfold over the next decade. Beyond that, the timeline isn’t firm.
“I’d love to see (all phases complete) in 30 years,” said Alexcia Jordan, general manager and CEO of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds and the North Idaho State Fair.
At present, the 81-acre fairgrounds have 26 buildings, three arenas and 42 campsites.
Phase One of the master plan, estimated to cost about $50 million, includes adding a 49,500-square-foot expo hall, as well as a 25,000-square-foot multipurpose livestock building that would allow the fairgrounds to host larger events. The buildings would include space for fair administrative staff and University of Idaho extension services.
The following five phases of the plan include renovations to existing facilities, a new maintenance building, another livestock barn, new hoop barns for horse stalls, an expanded RV park, an indoor arena with seating for 6,000 people, new walkways and roads and more. Each phase includes improved parking and infrastructure.
Jordan said these improvements, rolled out over many years, would allow the fairgrounds to meet increasing demand. Market research conducted by the fair reportedly indicates that the fair and community events have the biggest potential for growth, followed by exhibitions, horse shows, rodeos and livestock, small animal and agricultural events.
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