PROVO — Those who intend to go to the Utah County Fair this year shouldn't plan on heading to Lehi.
Utah County officials moved the fair from Thanksgiving Point in Lehi back to the fairgrounds in Spanish Fork.
The county didn't have problems with Thanksgiving Point — but the end of a contract helped make the decision to return to the fair's old home.
"They (Thanksgiving Point) at one point in time indicated to us that they weren't particularly interested in continuing" the contract, said County Commissioner Larry Ellertson.
County officials began talks with Spanish Fork, which would include buying the fairgrounds property from the city. Ellertson said the five years in Thanksgiving Point helped expand the fair and take it in a positive direction. However, after the contract ended the county decided to negotiate with Spanish Fork for the acquisition of property and the relocation of the fair.
"I'm very complimentary (of) what happened with Thanksgiving Point, but we're looking to try this other option," he said.
Ellertson said the change of venue shouldn't impact attendance at the fair.
"You're always concerned there'll be fewer people, but I'm sensing the (fair) committee's excitement (will be) translated to the public," he said. "I think we'll have comparable numbers."
Jay and Carol Harmer of Pleasant Grove, who were chosen to head the Utah County Fair Committee, met with the Utah County Council of Governments and informed them of new developments with the fair and some firm and tentative plans the fair committee has for this homecoming year.
"We want to create a fair where they can come as a family, they don't have to spend a tremendous amount of money and be educated and have fun together, play together, learn new things together and make memories," Carol Harmer said.
Carol Harmer said that the fair has always been heavy on agriculture and they wanted some technology to supplement the rural aspects. A traveling planetarium and some items from NASA will be featured in the technology section. She also said some typical fair events, such as a backhoe rodeo, an old-fashioned tractor pull and a ranch hand rodeo, as well as horse shows and 4-H events and a possible demolition derby, will also be offered.
During the meeting, Spanish Fork City Councilman Wayne Andersen said the city is excited to have the fair back at its old home.
The fair will be held from Aug. 13-16.
E-mail: csmith@desnews.com