This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Developers and some members of the Utah Legislature are chomping at the bits to get their hands on the 65 acres of open land now occupying the Utah State Fairpark.
The state seems rushed to come up with excuses to pull the fair and develop the land. The state fair is a celebration of our state's heritage and culture, holding the fair in the capital city emphasizing the importance of the yearly event and of those showcasing their achievements.
The state fair organization has failed to keep the Fairpark maintained and continues to miss out on unlimited opportunities to exploit the resources of this magnificent venue. There is no other venue like it in Utah; placed in the capital city, 100-plus years of history, next to the Jordan River, TRAX, and easy access to multiple freeways, the Fairpark has much to offer. The state needs to take the fair back, invest in the Fairpark, attract year-round uses and keep the state fair at the Fairpark. There is ample underutilized land on North Temple to develop. Let us not throw away our history and heritage for short term gains, and keep the state fair in the capital city.
Brad Bartholomew
Salt Lake City