By allowing more groups to rent the facility, it will generate more revenue than to rent it for three months of horse riding during the winter, said commissioner Ed Thiele. On March 16, fair director Doug Adams starts marketing the Agriplex as multi-use facility available year round as the commissioners instructed him. This follows the final day for indoor horse riding. Promising to generate the money through season ticket sales and events during the 1998 season, the horse riders hope to pay for the near exclusive use of the building, according to spokesman Mel Ames. The conflict between the allowing the horse riding to continue and allowing other events to take place in the Agriplex is the dirt used to cover the floor for horse riding.
Many events require the concrete floor rather than dirt.
Moving the dirt into or out of the Agriplex takes about three days, according to Adams, who added it could be faster with more equipment or workers. Horse clubs see the project as a goal, with the building being dedicated as an indoor horse arena. Money from additional rental fees on fair ground horse stalls, excess revenue from horse riding this season and possible private donations could pay for the structure, said Ames. How to get your copy of The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle.