Fair board proves a new kind of Grinch

Crafters joyfully came from far and near to join the Bonner County Christmas Fair, Nov. 21-22. All of us were excited to be a part of the show. However, as a vendor, I am terribly disappointed to see that not all the past advertising methods were utilized to support the show.

BCFG withheld a large banner that runs across the highway by Walmart in Ponderay alerting the public to the event, and withheld signs normally posted out in front of the fairgrounds. Driving by, no one would know there was an event. As a result, customer traffic was down significantly from years past.

Vendors were disappointed with sales. Past patrons admitted believing the show to be cancelled and did not come, but said they would have. BCFG did a great disservice to the crafters, working against us, not for us. I was told the signs were withheld because some of the board didn’t want the fair to take place this year. The attempt was to “keep the number of people down in the building.”

Yet, no discounts were applied to our bills to make up for the loss, nor were there warnings that they were going to withhold advertising. Many of these hard-working people are retired, or parents, trying to make ends meet. They rely on these shows for income. I believe the board owes the vendors a portion of their money back. I propose to the board keeping commissions, and refunding booth space money. I ask you ladies and gentlemen to do the right thing by the people you choose to serve.

HEATHER THOMAS

Cocolalla