Expo Idaho Needs Public Input

BOISE, ID — Many Boise residents have memories of cotton candy, scary rides and walking through the pens of animals every August during fair week.

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Now, the Ada County Development Services is asking the public for input on what should happen with Expo Idaho, the home of the Western Idaho Fair. A Citizens Advisory Committee has previously met and developed three recommendations.

- Proposal one emphasizes expanding and updating the current facility to continue to host the Western Idaho Fair and include additional agricultural heritage opportunities. This would include outdoor classrooms and a heritage park along with a multi-use event venue.

-Proposal two has a sport stadium and event venue supported by commercial retail venues and a nearby hotel. Hiking trails would surround the area.

-Proposal three builds the area into a Garden City Town Center, combining a mix of housing, shops and services, restaurants, government offices and a central gathering area.

Now, Ada County wants to hear from the public on the ideas or new ideas for the space. To participate in the survey, go here. The survey opened April 1 and closes May 1.

Expo Idaho is a 240-acre space that is home to not only the Western Idaho Fair, but also Memorial Stadium (Boise Hawks), Les Boise Park, Lady Bird Park, and Riverside RV Park. The property and buildings are owned by Ada County, however Expo Idaho (and the Western Idaho Fair) are self-funded. The fair has long been a beloved part of Ada County’s history and has had three different homes in its approximately 124-year history. In the 1980’s, the Board of Ada County Commissioners leased part of the property to the Boise Hawks and the racing track to a third party. Property near the river was leased for Riverside RV park, which helped the fair get back to being financially solvent.

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