TOPPENISH —The board president of the newly-formed Toppenish Fair Association is inviting anyone interested in serving on the board or being an association member to the organization’s next regular meeting May 27.
The association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that was formed to help return the Toppenish Rodeo Grounds to fiscal stability.
Association board president Barb Moses said the organization’s first priority is to raise the funds required to complete the community center building on the rodeo grounds.
She said about $100,000 must be raised from private sources to augment a loan package that will provide the $285,000 required.
The fair association can apply for grants and can also accept private trust donations, according to Moses.
The rodeo association is a 501(c)(4) corporation, and does not have that capability, she said, because funds donated to it are not tax-deductible.
She said the completed building will be “a true asset to the community,” providing space for school events, 4-H extension, educational fairs, and any number of other activities.
Activities held there will also help to serve as a draw for visitors to Toppenish, she said.   
The fair board is currently made up of rodeo association board members, but Moses said that is expected to be temporary.
“We’re looking for community members to be on the board,” Moses said. “We don’t want to mirror the rodeo board.”
Ultimately the fair board will have nine members, she said.
She said she’s especially interested in finding potential board members who have a background in grant writing.
In addition to the fair association board members, rank and file association membership is also being encouraged.
Moses said anyone may join the association.
She encouraged anyone interested in becoming a member of the fair board or the association to come to the May 27 meeting, which will begin at 7 p.m., at the Toppenish Eagles.
At the conclusion of the meeting, those interested in serving will have the opportunity to submit their names for a board position.
Those with questions or who want additional information can contact Moses at 509-949-5957, or email her at barbmoses@mac.com.