This decision was announced by Fair Advisory Chairperson Dan Vetrano during the Fair Board Meeting on June 16.

In addition, the beer dock will be moved from the dance tent to behind Swink Hall, which typically houses 4-H projects.

Vetrano reported a banner weekend for the RDA which sold $12,800 worth of alcohol during the races at the El Paso County Fairgrounds on June 14.

Sales were down at the June 13 Bull Ride, which was considered a "loss" and also at the Ranch Rodeo on June 15. The Ranch Rodeo beer station was located at the entrance to the outside rodeo arena.

Vetrano praised the races, stating, "We needed this shot in the arm for a long time."

No comment was given as to how this money will help the fair. Further, there was no word on whether 4-H facilities would be updated or repaired.

Plans for the fair remain upbeat, despite the $25,000 in cuts to the fair budget. During the meeting. the Board approved the use of electronic survey boxes around the fair to aid in marketing.

"It's hard to market if you don't know who to market too," said Special Events Coordinator Suzan Link.

Link further commented that this survey approach was recommended by the Las Vegas Council, which further recommends that the survey be done at least once every three years.

The boxes come to the tune of $1,393 and will be placed in high traffic areas, including the beer dock and margarita stand. To encourage fair goers to use the boxes, it was suggested that prizes be issued. The suggested prizes included free Pepsi and Lottery Tickets. No comment was given as to the cost of these prizes.

There will be no inside kitchens this year as remodeling has not been completed. The fair also lost food vendor, Alice's Place. Reasons cited included the owner expressing discomfort in working with the fair staff. Ciao Bella Restaurant in Falcon will be approached on whether they would like to take over the vendor spot.

Additional marketing news included the decision to not have a stand at the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo due to lack of staff and volunteers to man it.

Furthermore, press releases will be issued to the Ranchland News to promote various aspects of the fair and what the community members and organizations that run and/or support fair the are doing.

"We have a bunch of do-gooders saying bad about this fair and they have no knowledge of what's going on," Vetrano said. "We need to educate people."

The next fair board meeting will be at 6:30pm on Monday, July 7 at the El Paso County Fairgrounds.

EDITOR’S NOTE - The reporter for the High Plains View was denied the press courtesy given to the Ranchland News by Fair Advisory Board Chairperson and RDA President, Dan Vetrano, to view and photograph the races at the El Paso County Speedway on Saturday, June 14. As a result, there will, unfortunately, be no coverage of the races in this week's paper. Please note that this took place on a tax payer funded facility during a public event.