Last year, it was an electronic message board. Now, the State Fair board of directors plans to continue its image-improving campaign by adding a more attractive outside fence surrounding the Fairpark.
The board authorized State Fair Director Donna Dahl to obtain bids on new fencing, and the board hopes to have the work done by early summer.
Basically, the board feels the tall chain-link fence now along the east end of North Temple and the south end of 1000 North has the look of a prison enclosure.
While the board believes it is OK to have a chain-link fence around its parking lot, the other portions should have more aesthetic qualities.
"We want a clean, safe look," Douglas Peterson, a board member, said.
Vinyl and wrought-iron were among the materials discussed. And some of the board would like a section of brick wall replaced with a more open fence design.
The board wants to spruce up the appearance of the Fairpark, believing it is simply not feasible to move the facility to any other site.
The board also plans to survey the public on what they like best about the state fair.
Income of the Fairpark is up about 22 percent over one year ago, thanks mostly to the strong attendance at the fair last year.
This year's Utah State Fair will be Sept. 6-16, with a theme of "Simple Wonders." Entertainment is now being finalized.
E-MAIL: lynn@desnews.com