During the past year, the Bonner County Fair Foundation has made enormous strides

in accomplishing our goals!

Since our initial organizational meeting in April, 2006, the BCFF has:

- Selected a logo for the foundation and elected officers;

- Obtained our 501 (c ) (3) non-profit certification from the IRS;

- Received a $4,000 grant from the Sandpoint Elks Foundation for improvements to the "Red Barn" for the Draft Horse Show;

- Completed a volunteer "Work Week" at the fairgrounds.

The work accomplished in the main exhibit building includes replacing the carpet with tile, a remodel of the men's and women's bathrooms (except for the flooring), repairing/painting the cabinets and replacing the counter tops in the kitchen area. The value of the remodel is estimated at $20,000 - $25,000.

Been awarded $1,000 from the Community Assistance League toward the purchase of flooring for the bathrooms in the main exhibit building, and,

Given numerous presentations about our group to community and civic organizations.

Our first year has been exciting, fast-paced and productive, but our work has just begun!

Our next fundraiser is a Cinco de Mayo dinner and auction, to be held May 5, 2007 at the fairgrounds. Tickets are $30 per person which includes a fabulous Mexican dinner catered by Irma's Dinners On the Go, live and silent auctions, door prizes and entertainment. We have been able to garner over $15,000 in exceptional auction items including vacation getaways, unique and original art, numerous gift baskets, gift certificates for entertainment and dining, quilts and much more.

Ticket outlets: Sandpoint: Panhandle State Bank, Pampurrred Pets, Merwins, Neimans, Pie Hut, Sandpoint Furniture, Carter Country Farm and Feed, Laughing Dog Brewery, the Corner Bookstore. Sagle: Windermere Resort Lifestyles. Priest River: Panhandle State Bank, Mitchells Harvest Foods. Hope: Pend Oreille Shores Athletic Club. Clark Fork: Sweet Bicycles and Marbles Gift Shop.

I urge the public to buy tickets and support this exciting endeavor. With your assistance, we will continue to improve the fairground facilities, provide an economic boost to the area and make progress in attaining our future vision of the fairgrounds for all North Idaho communities. For more information, call 263-2413 or 265-4036.

MAUREEN TILLBERG

President

Bonner County

Fair Foundation