COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho —
The North Idaho State Fair was more than a week away as Alexcia Jordan walked at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds on a sunny afternoon.
The general manager and CEO watched as a man passed by on his way to the fair office with an entry for the fair. In one building, quilt judging was going on. In another, they were setting up art and photographs. A minute later, a woman rode by on an ATV and asked Jordan how she was doing.
“Just talking,” Jordan answered with a smile.
She looked around. A few flags fluttered in the wind. The lawn was neat and trimmed. The sign at the food court named this year’s vendors, including the Knights of Columbus and their famous burgers.
A piece of litter bounced along the ground, so Jordan picked it up.
“This is one of my favorite days of the year, when entries come in and we’re seeing what people make,” she said.
After more than a year of planning, preparation and hard work, it’s coming together.
“Now you get to watch all the puzzle pieces fall into place,” Jordan said. “Things come to life.”
The 102nd North Idaho State Fair runs 10 days, from Aug. 16-25. Last year it attracted about 168,000 visitors and this year, will be looking to top the attendance record of 174,000.
Jordan, in her 10th year at the helm, credits a small staff of less than 15, around 600 volunteers, and a loyal following for its success.
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