The 44th District Agricultural Association (Fair Board) plans to implement a new policy beginning in 2022 for the placement of commemorative benches at the Colusa County Fairgrounds.
Fair officials started discussing a new policy several years ago after many memorial benches began showing the sad effects of time.
People who wish to memorialize a deceased loved one or honor family, friends, or businesses will still have the opportunity to place a commemorative bench on the fairgrounds’ property, but they will essentially be renting the spot for five years at a time.
The fair board said individuals with existing benches and those who want to place a new bench on the fairgrounds will be charged $500 for a five-year term.
“You would renew if you want to retain the bench,” said Director Jamie Traynham.
Fair officials said they are trying to contact all parties that have existing benches located at the Fairgrounds, but if, for any reason, an existing bench is not renewed, the fairgrounds will remove the name boards and replace them with blanks. If the benches are in a state of severe disrepair, the fairgrounds will remove them entirely.
“If the original donor does not want to restore or replace their bench, the original bench and plaque/wood slats will be disposed of 30 days after their removal,” said Colusa County Fair Chief Executive Officer Laura Ford.
Ford said a term limit policy for commemorative benches would help cover the cost of safety repairs; periodic sanding, cleaning, or staining; and repair damaged, stolen, or deteriorated benches, at any time during the five-year period of the contract.
New and existing benches are the property of the fairgrounds, she said, and all bench types and locations must be approved and finalized by the fair board.
Individuals/businesses who wish to place a new bench on the grounds at their cost will have to submit a proposal with the bench type, requested wording, and location preference, although the fair board has final approval.
Ford said locations will be dependent on safety, installation conditions, or liability concerns.
The 44th District Agricultural Association is expected to finalize the policy at their next meeting.
Fair officials said many people have placed memorial benches at the Fairgrounds to remember deceased loved ones. While they expect many people to want to continue the practice, memorials are not a requirement.
People can also honor businesses, organizations, and events, officials said. ■