Fair manager John Steffanic reported that the agribusiness idea he presented to the Board of Supervisors last month has received lots of support from many factions of the community.

  However, after looking more closely at the grant proposal and the logistics of building a commercial processing plant complex and operating a revenue-producing agribusiness, Steffanic said it is prudent to apply for a study grant first.

  Therefore Plumas Pickles won’t be showing up in convenience stores next year.

  The other revenue generating idea, an Americana Festival, also ran into some snags, Steffanic reported. Scheduling conflicts with the quilting and square dancing groups that were to be two of the main attractions have slowed the idea down.

  “It’s like trying to stick a square peg in a round hole,” Steffanic said. He also said there was some resistance from the supervisors to investing money in the project. He said he will work on developing a plan for the following year.

County fair update

  Plans for this year’s Plumas-Sierra County Fair are right on track, Steffanic said.

  The addition of a 30-by-40-foot tent near the front gate will spare performers and audiences from blazing sun, which was a problem last year.

  A game called Archery Tag may come to the fair, Steffanic said. He likened the game to paintball, only players shoot arrows tipped with big foam “marshmallows” at each other. A vendor would provide this game in an enclosed area to helmeted participants.

  A Thursday evening “date night,” a spaghetti dinner a la “Lady and the Tramp” featuring a guest chef and musical duo Slim and Minnie playing Italian music, is also in the offing.

  Steffanic reported that this year the fairgrounds would be hiring people to work the entrance gates during the fair. In previous years members of E Clampus Vitus have monitored the gates for a flat fee. After a cost analysis, Steffanic said it may be more advantageous to hire gate keepers directly.

Countywide workday

  A giant countywide workday at the fairgrounds is scheduled for Saturday, April 6. More than 100 people are lined up to do everything from raking the grounds and cleaning up flowerbeds and the median strip on Fairgrounds Road, to painting; picking up rocks; pruning trees; tuning up benches, tables and bleachers; cleaning the buildings inside and out; pressure washing garbage cans and more.

  The Feather River College rodeo team, including a welding crew, will give the horse arena a makeover for the upcoming season.

  Lunch will be provided for volunteer workers, Steffanic said; it will most likely consist of a hot dog and hamburger barbecue.

  To join the volunteer workday, contact the fairgrounds at 283-6272. The next board meeting will be held Wednesday, March 27, at 5 p.m.