News photo by Kayla Wikaryasz On Tuesday, Courtney Tauriainen, Alpena County Fair Board president, is seen presenting at the Alpena County Board of Commissioners meeting. Tauriainen requested approval to host two bump-n-run events at the fairgrounds outside of the regular fair season.

ALPENA — Improvements to the Alpena County Fairgrounds are needed, including updates to animal barns and adding additional campsites.

Courtney Tauriainen, Alpena County Fair Board president, told the Alpena County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday that the fair board is looking to put cement in the sheep and goat barn which will cost approximately $25,000.

She added that the board hopes to make this improvement before the fair begins in August.

To raise the necessary funds, the fair board will host two bump-n-run events outside of the regular fair season.

The first bump-n-run event is planned for March 14 and the second is planned for June 6.

Tauriainen said that the fair board will cover the cost for portable restrooms, dumpsters, and that vendors who attend the event are required to bring their own generators.

“It would be no cost to the county,” she added.

Tauriainen stated that though the weather will likely be cold, the fair board hopes that the “wintertime bump-n-run” event will offer a new kind of experience for attendees.

“It will be a little bit different for the audience,” she said. “Hopefully, fingers crossed, it will bring a different experience.”

Commissioners voted to approve the use of the fairgrounds for the two bump-n-run events.

The commissioners also took time at Tuesday’s meeting to discuss the need for additional camp sites to accommodate the campers during the fair.

“We need more camping locations at the fairgrounds because we’re running out,” Brenda Fournier, Alpena County Board of Commissioners vice chair, said.

Fournier suggested relocating the fairgrounds playground equipment and turning the area into additional campsites. She suggested removing equipment that is broken or could lead to injury.

“Nobody does any maintenance on it,” Fournier said. “A lot of the equipment for the kids is getting broke and they could get hurt. We could get sued.”

“That would give us all that river frontage to add more campsites and that’s what we need,” Fournier added. “I’m not sure how many sites, but I think it’s something that we should really look into, possibly.”

John Kozlowski, Alpena County Board of Commissioners board chairman, said that it would be unlikely for the playground equipment to be removed and for new campsites to be installed before fair time.

“But I think it’s something that we got to move forward with,” Fournier added.

County Administrator Jesse Osmer suggested moving the discussion of campsites to the next Facilities, Ways, and Means committee meeting for further consideration.

“I just want the commissioners to be aware it’s something that really needs to be done,” Fournier said.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.