Rhonda Livingstone inducted posthumously into IAFE hall of fame

PHEONIX — Rhonda Livingstone, longtime Bonner County fair manager, was inducted posthumously into the International Association of Fairs and Expositions’ hall of fame Monday. Only one individual is inducted into the hall of fame each year.

The IAFE is a nonprofit corporation serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions and expositions. The organization represents more than 1,100 fairs worldwide.

Livingstone was full of drive, passion, and love that made her an unstoppable force, association officials said in a press release.

Even though she ran a smaller fair, the association said, she created educational programs and competitive exhibit programs that set new standards among her peers.

"Rhonda Livingstone had a persevering spirit that made her a beloved leader in the fair industry," said IAFE President and CEO Marla Calico. "Her dedication to the Bonner County Fair, Idaho, her community, and the IAFE left a lasting legacy. To know Rhonda was to love her. This hall of fame award honors her inspiring contributions and enduring impact."

Livingstone became fair manager for the Bonner County Fair in 2002 and served the community in that role for over 16 years. In 2017, she was recognized by the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs as fair manager of the year.

She passed away in 2019, survived by her husband, William Livingstone, daughters Alexcia Jordan and Leigh Parker, and grandchildren Ryder Jordan, Charlee Jordan, and Phoebe Parker. Later that year, the Bonner County Fair Board renamed the main exhibit building at the fairgrounds to the Rhonda Livingstone Memorial Building in honor of her accomplishments and dedication as fair manager.

“Rhonda fought to keep the tradition and roots of the fair, seeking to preserve the heritage that founded this part of North Idaho,” the dedication stated. “Her vision, ideas and hard work leave a legacy to be benefited from and enjoyed for decades to come.”

Livingstone was inducted at the IAFE convention and trade show held in Phoenix, Ariz., this year. The event serves as a platform for industry leaders and partners to gather, exchange ideas, and celebrate achievements within the fair industry, according to the IAFE.

The presentation of the hall of fame award was attended by members of Livingstone’s family and staff from the Bonner County Fair. Her daughters, Alexcia and Leigh, accepted the award on her behalf.

Some in the community expressed frustration that the fair was paying for staff to attend the conference just to attend an award ceremony in their perspective. Fair board members said that they have routinely sent staff to the annual conference because it provides necessary training opportunities.

Bonner County Fair events coordinator Taylor Hill, who attended the award ceremony, said it was a beautiful experience and that, “there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.” She said she felt it was a very important thing to attend, and that having Livingstone recognized fuels the current fairgrounds staff.

“It kind of fuels our passion for the future of the fairgrounds, because Rhonda was so influential here,” Hill said on a phone call with the Daily Bee. “I think she motivates us to make it (the fair) better and to continue her legacy for greatness here.”

Hill said she had the privilege to work with Livingstone as a teenager and the experience had a big impact on her.

“When I worked at the Fairgrounds during the summers as a teenager, Rhonda taught me so much,” Hill said in an email to the Daily Bee. “She taught me to always smile, never give up, stay strong in what you believe in and to dream big. She was one of the most influential people in my life.”