Document text
Fair sports new look this year Photo by Bob Pennell Neil Hendricksen, 10, center, gives an oral presentation to 4-H horse judges Monday under cover of the new Isola Arena at the Jackson County Fairgrounds and Exposition Park. The arena, new to the fair this year, helps young people and animals to stay cool. `Open layout' greets visitors for today's start By KELLY STEWART The carnival rides are ready to roll, the hot dogs are roasting and the sun is shining. The Jackson County Fair is ready to be invaded. This year's "Fair to Remember" starts today and runs through July 25. Last year, more than 150,000 people attended the fair, making it the biggest annual event in Southern Oregon. Because the weather is expected to remain in the 80s this week, the fair could boast even bigger numbers. When fairgoers enter the grounds this year, they'll notice that the fair has changed its look. "The fair has matured over the years," said Chris Borovansky, fair manager. This year, there's more "color and excitement" in the fairgrounds, partially because the fair spreads over a larger area. The exhibits and carnival will no longer be bunched together as they were in the past. The "open layout" of the fair will allow people to explore more of what the grounds have to offer, Borovansky said. The grounds have a park-like look, with more trees and grass -- and shade for those who want to duck out of the sun. Chaisson Park is part of the new, grassy layout. The park, situated between the Compton and Isola arenas, offers daily children's contests and magic shows, and a place to rest for tired parents. Two new stages will showcase local talent. The Park Stage, just inside the west entrance in Chaisson Park, features wrestling, fencing, drama and other activities. The Garden Stage, which features local singers, dancers and instrumentalists, is near the south entrance between the AT&T Headline Stage and Homer's Garden. Two buildings also debut with this year's fair. Rather than trotting beneath the glaring sun, horses will show under cover at the Isola Arena. The outdoor, 37,000-square-foot arena will celebrate its grand opening during fair week. Funds for the $700,000 covered horse arena were donated by the Isola family. The Olsrud Pavilion, donated by the Olsrud grocery family, will debut with 4-H and Future Farmers of America events. The 20,000-square-foot pavilion cost $400,000 to construct. Situating livestock events in the Olsrud Pavilion will be a big change for youngsters, who used to show inside a huge, hot tent. The new building will have good ventilation to keep animals and people cool, Borovansky said. Beckie Kantor, leader of the 4-H group Looney Livestock, is looking forward to showing in the Olsrud Pavilion because the tent was a heat-wave horror. "You imagine yourself at the fairgrounds with 300 pigs and 300 kids ... it gets hot in tents," Kantor said. "Animals get very cranky. They get snarly, and they may get sick." Pigs could easily lose 15 pounds within two days in the tent, she said. Children often had heat problems, too, Kantor said. A few years ago, the temperature was 115 degrees at the fairgrounds. "There was a girl I thought was going to pass out on me," Kantor said. The cooler pavilion she said, makes "a world of difference. It's absolutely a blessing." Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA