DeSpain Resigns From Fair Board After Giving 19 Years Of Service

By Linda Kor
   The Navajo County Fair Board will be faced with appointing yet another board member just one month after annual elections were held.
   During a special meeting held Jan. 13, Rusty DeSpain submitted his resignation after serving on the board for 19 years, including nine years as president.
   DeSpain began serving on the board at the age of 18, but prior to that started the Lil’ Buckaroo Rodeo at the age of 16. The youngsters’ rodeo is still a big attraction at the county fair.
   DeSpain cited an inability to conduct business and deal with personal issues within the fair board that he felt were influencing the board’s ability to productive and benefit the fairgrounds as his reason for resigning.
   The unexpected announcement came during a special meeting held following the annual meeting to elect board members.
   The vacancy will be filled on Monday, Feb. 8, as part of the agenda of the regular meeting. At that time, a nomination from the board or from the floor may be presented for approval.
   The board approved changing the regular fair board meetings to the second Monday of each month in order to accommodate board members’ schedules.
   Included in the meeting was a discussion regarding the rewards for being a sponsor of the county fair.
   A decision was made to give all sponsors less than $1,000 a fair pass and a rodeo pass for every $100 worth of sponsorship. At $1,000, they would receive 10 VIP passes good for one day at the fair, which would include entry to the fair, the scheduled events and food provided at the VIP tent. This was presented as a motion and approved unanimously.
   In other business, the board:
   * Approved a facilities request made by Lori Reynolds for Jan. 25, in order to have a lasagna dinner for the Hashknife Posse.
   * Approved a facilities request made by JoAnn Smith for Feb. 13, to host the Diné Land Senior Rodeo Association end of the year banquet.
   * Approved a facilities request made by Kelly Favro for Feb. 20, to host a bridal/baby shower.
   * Approved the personnel handbook.
   * Approved sending Board President Mike Mellor and Events Coordinator Mina Henning to a meeting with state legislature on Jan. 27 to discuss the impact on the county fair if the governor’s funds are not received.
   * Approved a contract with Western Express Railroad for the 2010 county fair.