Bonneville County Fair gets huge donation to help with growth
As Eastern Idaho grows, so do the clubs and organizations around the area. The Bonneville County Fair is replacing the fairgrounds to help meet the needs of the growing population. To help with the construction of buildings, the fair board received a $25,000 donation from Zions Bank on Thursday.
“At Zions Bank, we’re committed to creating value in the markets that we serve, we’re thrilled about the expansion of this fairgrounds in Bonneville County and what it will do for the 4-H program,” said Merri Johnson, the Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming region president at Zions Bank.
In July 2017, the property was purchased near Sandy Downs Arena in Idaho Falls to help meet the demand for the growing 4-H community. Thursday’s donation is another factor that will help support growth.
“Our educator told us this last meeting, there (were) about 300 new kids already enrolled this year,” said Coco Cervantes, a Bonneville County Fair board member.
The $25,000 donation by Zions Bank is to help youth learn animal science principles and current industry standards.
“I have seen 4-H throughout my life,” Johnson said. “My mother was involved in 4-H, I was involved in 4-H, now I have grandchildren that are involved in 4-H.”
Currently, builders are constructing the 4-H Family and Consumer Science building that will be at the new fairgrounds. These building will help house the University of Idaho extension and 4-H offices.
4-H is a program not only teaches about the livestock industry but leadership and responsibility. The local agriculture community is seeing more kids take an interest in that.
“Studies have found that those youth who participate in 4-H are four times more likely to be involved in their community in the future in a positive way. They’re two times as likely to pursue higher education,” said Bryon Reed, Bonneville County commissioner.
The Bonneville County Fair board said the new fairgrounds will be ready to go by the time the fair takes place the first week of August.
