Mel Hudman, the director of the Utah County Fair, said it is difficult to resurrect something.
But that's exactly what a committee of determined citizens and their volunteers are trying to do with the Utah County Fair.Last year, the Utah County Commission chose not to fund the fair, and the fair was not held for the first time in years.
Well, that wasn't good enough for fair lovers in Utah County.
With a shoestring budget and last-minute volunteer effort, organizers are hoping to put on a good fair for the entire county.
Whereas in past years the county has budgeted up to $40,000 for the effort, this year organizers are working with only $5,000, which was provided by a business in the county. That means they can't hire outside entertainment, can't advertise much and can't pay their help.
Fair chairman Gerald Anderson said he has given committee plans and ideas to various community groups, and they have worked on their own to set up the various events.
At Thursday's Utah County Council ofGovernments meeting, Anderson asked mayors to work with their chambers of commerce and other civic groups to help organize the picnic in the park for opening night.
He said a surprisingly popular event this year will be a guided horseback ride. The trail ride goes over the Nebo Pass this year. It will be guided by the National Forest Service.
Admission to fair events is free. It runs from Monday, Aug. 13, to Saturday, Aug. 18. (See calendar for events.