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• The county-wide agriculture industry is not livestock-based so there are fewer animals than other <br /> fairs. <br /> • Financial constraints limit the number and type of entertainment activities. <br /> • East/West Sherburne County divide on fair location, operations and viability. <br /> • Decline in agriculture/family farming has impacted many county fairs. <br /> • Concerns about the technical expertise (budgeting, event planning, fundraising) required for a <br /> successful event. <br /> • The property was reported as used on average of five days per week in summer months by 4H, <br /> Saddle Club,Dog Club, etc. <br /> • Liability insurance costs increased significantly after finding they were underinsured. <br /> • There is a need for a building to preserve historical information of the fair. <br /> Attached is information pulled from the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs (MFCF) website <br /> (hap://www.mfcfcom/home.!=) which has been supplemented by some county information. Included <br /> is information from 20 of the 95 county fairs represented by MFCF. <br /> The information in black is from the MFCF website,which includes fair dates, the county and city <br /> hosting,the carnival provider and 2013 attendance. <br /> The information in red is specific county information added to the MFCF list,which would show which <br /> county seats host fairgrounds, the population of the county and the largest city by population in each <br /> county. <br /> Some questions for the city and county to consider for the discussion: <br /> 1. What is the city's long-term vision for the fairgrounds and surrounding area? <br /> 2. What is the highest and best use for the property? <br /> 3. How should success be measured? (attendance, revenue) <br /> 4. How much of a (countywide) subsidy should be provided? <br /> 5. What capital amenities are needed to improve the viability of the fairgrounds? <br /> 6. Is there a (countywide) financial commitment to ensuring success? <br /> 7. Should the City of Elk River provide for improvements (capital/operational) to enhance the <br /> grounds or event(s)? <br /> Financial Impact <br /> N/A <br /> Attachments <br /> ■ County Fair List <br />