The Barb Renner First Time Exhibitors Grant

The North Idaho Fair and Rodeo Foundation is on a mission to cultivate the next generation of Idaho. Our members recognize the important life lessons learned by exhibiting at the fair. They also understand exhibiting at the North Idaho State Fair can be costly. This grant is an effort to encourage more youth exhibitors to show for the first-time at the North Idaho State Fair. It is our hope that by offsetting some of the costs incurred by exhibiting at the fair, more young people will be able to benefit from this invaluable learning experience.

A Tribute to Barbara Renner: The Visionary Behind the North Idaho Fair

Barbara Renner's life was a symphony of dedication, hard work, and unwavering passion for community service. Her love for the county fair, ignited in her early years, became a driving force in her life, shaping the North Idaho Fair into the beloved institution it is today.

In 1977, Barbara was appointed to the Kootenai County Fair Board. Her extensive knowledge and firsthand experiences with various fairgrounds made her keenly aware of the underutilized potential of the Coeur d'Alene fairgrounds. Despite initial resistance from the Fair Board to her visionary ideas, Barbara's persistence and circumstances led to her assuming management of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds in 1985.

With a supportive staff and Fair Board, Barbara transformed the fairgrounds into a year-round facility, fulfilling a vision she and her husband Harlan had long held. Her leadership qualities quickly garnered attention, earning her appointments to the boards of the Rocky Mountain Fair Association and the International Association of Fairs & Expos (IAFE). Recognizing she was working in her dream job, Barbara sold her interests in the Iron Horse and Arrow Point to focus her energy entirely on the fair.

Barbara's influence extended far beyond Coeur d'Alene. In 1993, the IAFE invited her to travel extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada, delivering workshops, seminars, and keynotes at fair association meetings in 46 states and five Canadian provinces. Her leadership skills and vision led her to serve as President of the Idaho Fair Associates, the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs, and in 1998, she made history as the first woman to be President of the International Association of Fairs & Expositions. This milestone marked a significant achievement, breaking the glass ceiling and paving the way for other women to assume leadership roles in the industry.

In the final years of her illustrious career, Barbara was inducted into the Hall of Fame of both the Rocky Mountain Fair Association and the IAFE. Her proudest achievement was witnessing the growth and success of the Kootenai County Fairgrounds and the North Idaho Fair, which evolved into a major destination for hundreds of events throughout the years, culminating in Kootenai County's largest celebration—the fair.

Barbara Renner's legacy is one of visionary leadership, relentless dedication, and a profound love for her community. She transformed the North Idaho Fair into a vibrant, year-round hub of activity, leaving an indelible mark on the fair industry and inspiring countless others with her trailblazing spirit. Her contributions will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.