Small Town News

Port okays agreement for 2011 fairgrounds

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The Port of Shelton Commission approved a short-term use agreement allowing Northwest Event Organizers to put on the Mason Area Fair for another year.

After Mason County terminated its contract to operate the fairgrounds in November 2009, the fair was left without an organizer.

Last year Northwest Event Organizers, owned by John and Rachel Hansen took over operations of the fair, and according to a statement by Port Executive Director John Dobson, made a gross profit of $11, 000.

"They did not pay themselves for all of their hard work. They did not charge the port for cleaning the buildings and planting the garden ... They did this because they believe in this community," Dobson read from a prepared statement.

Dobson proposed in the special meeting that the terms and conditions of the use agreement should be exactly the same as last year. The 2011 agreement follow's the port's standard fairgrounds rental rate sheet, and has several other requirements, including a $1 million insurance policy held by the renter.

The agreement, however, only includes a $1 damage deposit.

While the fair, set for July 29, 30 and 31, is only a few months away, the port commission could not reach a unanimous decision on the use agreement because of pending complaints recently brought to the port's attention.

"This matter is currently under review, and until there is a conclusion to this investigation and I and the other commissioners have had a chance to review this investigation I would have to say we're in a holding pattern," Commissioner Jack Miles said. "I'm very uncomfortable, and it's very unfortunate that we have to deal with a matter of such great significance to the community with our backs to the wall and time running out."

No explicit details of this investigation were given during the meeting, but Commissioner Tom Wallit-ner addressed the Hansens, who were in attendance, on the matter.

"In reference to the investigation I don't see that it merits any concern on your part," he said. "I'm not about to put myself in the place of impeding the fair."

The commission voted 2-1 to approve the agreement with Northwest Event Organizers.



Copyright 2011 Shelton-Mason County Journal, Shelton, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 Shelton-Mason County Journal Shelton, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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