FARMINGTON -- The FairPark can grow as a hub of fun as well as a way to bolster the county's economy. That's one of the missions of the fledgling FairPark Board which was organized last year. And while some people may focus on the August County Fair's expense of $150,000 over revenues, FairPark Director Dave Hansen cites a variety of ways where that gap is more than closed. For example, even in the cold, winter months of January and February, plenty of revenue is coming to the FairPark. He cited a "little over $200,000 coming into the community" as a result of January events, and probably upwards of $100,000 in February.

March, April and June are also typically big months in terms of actual revenue brought to the fair through concessions and rental fees. But additional money flows into restaurants, hotels and elsewhere thanks to visitors to the FairPark who spend time and money in the community, as well.

One new recreation and revenue opportunity for the FairPark could come from Motocross, Hansen said.

"Having it inside the (2,000-seat) Legacy Center wouldn't be a problem," he said.

A regional show that currently draws many Wasatch Front enthusiasts from Idaho, Nevada and Wyoming could be staged at the Farmington facility.

"We're trying to reverse that vacuum (out of the Wasatch Front)," he said. "It could be a good regional event, five times a year.

"We could buy new dirt" treated for both Motocross and equestrian users, Hansen continued.

That would draw several hundred riders, plus typically two spectators for every participant -- translating conservatively into 100-150 hotel room nights, or more, Hansen said.

An outdoor paintball course being considered would expand upon a portable operation that one vendor has brought to the FairPark, the park director said.

With an estimated $7,000 investment by the county to build necessary poles and facilities, Hansen said the vendor rented the FairPark three times last year.

At $150 a day proposed rent plus $500 estimated per day for concessions, that would generate thousands of dollars from three such events in a year to help defray the county's costs, he said.

"People come from out of town, southern Idaho, even Colorado, and would probably spend at least two days here" for each event, Hansen speculated.

An additional aid to bringing more users will come in the form of an RV park, which should be completed by late April, just in time for a major, regional dog show, Hansen said.

"People are coming in before the show, from such states as Michigan and Indiana, and there's one guy flying in from Ireland," he said.

"They've got to go outside (of the park) for restaurants, etc.," he said.

Hookups will be $20 a night with the facility not intended to compete with nearby Cherry Hill or Lagoon campgrounds.

"The dog shows have really treated us well," Hansen said.

"We now get at least two barrel races a month, four dog shows a month."

A Tennessee consulting firm, meanwhile, completed a survey of how the FairPark's layout might be improved, or what facilities might be added to maximize use and value.

Sometime in the future, four more equestrian barns might be added along with a large exhibit hall. Construction could be coordinated for proximity to the Legacy Center to provide a warm-up area and shared sound system, for example. The track could also be eliminated, if the survey is followed, Hansen said.



tbusselberg@davisclipper.com