By Kevin Hanson, The Courier-Herald

A meeting scheduled for Enumclaw next week should go a long way toward determining the makeup of an all-new advisory board for the King County Fair and fairgrounds.

Called by fairgrounds manager Dave Marks, the meeting will begin at 7 p.m., Nov. 19, at the Pete's Pool fieldhouse. The purpose is to provide information about the new Fair Advisory Board, answer questions from prospective members and distribute application and information packets to all those interested in becoming members. Taking part, along with Marks, will be staff from King County government and its parks division.

Anyone interested in joining the fair board is encouraged to attend. Anyone not able to attend on the 19th can call Marks at 360-825-7777, 206-296-8888 or 800-325-6165 (extension 68888); fax 206-296-8891; or e-mail dave.marks@metrokc.gov

The existing fair board was recently dissolved through an ordinance passed unanimously by the Metropolitan King County Council. That step was taken as the county continues to deal with a financial shortfall and looks for new ways to produce revenue. The council ordinance noted the need for the fairgrounds to generate year-round revenues through more aggressive marketing.

The new advisory board will consist of 20 members and it is guaranteed one of those will be from the city of Enumclaw (appointed by the mayor with City Council approval). Also, there will be one representative from each of King County's 13 council districts, the director of the county's extension service, one member representing vocational agriculture, two members selected by members of the county's 4-H council and two non-voting youth members.