Nevada's state fair, held in Reno since 1874, is in danger of become another relic of the past. In 2010, fair organizers changed the name to Nevada Territory Wild West Fair and added new attractions like the Great American Wild West Show. That didn't keep the fair from significant attendance and income declines last year, in part related to bad weather.
Livestock at the Fair in Reno, Nevada.
Photo © Stan White
According to fair executive director Rich Crombie, there won't be a Nevada Territory Wild West Fair in 2011 unless organizers can raise around $284,000 by March 1. The deadline is necessary so participants and the Reno Sparks Livestock Events Center will know in time whether or not to prepare. The money is to pay the fair's current debt of $204,000 and provide the $80,000 required to put on this year's event. So far, local businesses and individuals have come up with $23,000. The fair is a non-profit organization that does not receive any government funding, so the rest of it is going to have to come from similar places.
"It can be really, really easy, or it can be really hard if no one cares," said Crombie as quoted in the Reno Gazette-Journal. "It could be as easy as every Reno resident throwing in $1. We're being optimistic that we will keep it." The 2011 fair is scheduled for August 24 - 28.
There are three ways to make tax-deductible donations...
- Care for the Fair by donating online through the fair website.
- Mail your donation to Nevada State Fair, 1350 N. Wells Ave., Reno, NV 89512.
- Text the word "Nevada" to 50555 to donate $10 as an added charge on your phone bill.
Sources: Nevada Territory Wild West Fair, Reno Gazette-Journal.
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