The Similkameen News Leader
Sports Page - April 17, 2007
FAIRGROUNDS BRIGHTEN FOR SPRING
A new bright entrance to the fairgrounds will brighten the approach to this yearıs events. John Bey, President of Princeton Exhibition Association, said the new gates are being painted and the new sign above the gates will be up and painted soon.
There was a lot of discussion about what the new sign above the gate should say. Everyone agreed it should say
"Sunflower Downs" but some people wanted Princeton Exhibition Association on the sign and others thought
"fairgrounds" should be on the sign. Carol Ruoss reminded everyone of the time and effort it took to have highway signs saying
"fairgrounds". Another person said people looking for rodeos, fairs and races want to know where the fairgrounds are in any community.
The committee working on the sign will mock up some designs on paper and pass them around for approval.
The rental schedule for the grounds has been updated. New rates go into effect this year.
There were reports from Fall Fair, Rodeo, Fire Department and Racing Days.
The grounds are booked beginning on Saturday, May 5, when a 4-H judging rally takes place.
The next big event is the Bull O'Rama on May 11, followed by Princeton Pro Rodeo on May 12 and 13.
The barns are booked for the Cutting Horse Competition to be held at Maverick Saloon. This event takes place on June 9 and 10, and the fairgrounds stalls will accommodate overflow stock.
The Cutting Horse event organizers are looking for somebody to run the concession at Maverick Saloon for the weekend. If you or your group are interested, call Barb Ecott at 295-7268.
Princeton Racing Days begins with thoroughbred horse racing at the fairgrounds on June 29. This is Princetonıs big weekend, and a lot more is going on than just horse racing. The posters are ready and members think the posters look good. Racing Days information is on the web with links to a number of sites.
Ed Muckle, at Image Emporium, is organizing a weekend music festival for Racing Days. The one day event was successful last year, so the Sounds of Our Heritage Music Festival will last all weekend this year.
Some concerns were expressed about motorbikes tearing up the racetrack. A section of fence has been broken, and motorbikes have been roaring around the grounds and down toward Swan Lake, ripping up terrain. These riders scare the horses at the Ag barn in addition to damaging the track and natural growth of the area. These riders are trespassers.
There are no bookings for July and August to date, and the next event booked is Princeton Fall Fair on September 8 & 9.
The next meeting of PXA will be held at the fairgrounds office on Tuesday, May 8, at 7:00 p.m.
