Fairgrounds services expanded through zoning

Would you like to have your wedding where the last gun show took place? It could happen at the Island County Fairgrounds and you might even get to fly off in a helicopter after the nuptials.

The Island County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to approve the rezoning of the fairgrounds in Langley. The rezone from “public use” to “fairgrounds” (F zone) classification is an action designed to open up the area to more activities and tourism. The move will allow more latitude in what kinds of events and structures will be permitted on fairgrounds.

Sponsored by the Island County Fair Association, the change is desired to “create sustainable economic productivity and provide public service opportunities,” said Dan Ollis, of the Island County Fair Board of Directors.

With the new zoning the activities that would be allowed could include gun shows, weddings, flea markets, dog shows and concerts. It also allows for conditional use of the grounds for child care facilities, fireworks displays, motorized racing and use as a heliport.

Under the new guidelines a wide variety of structures could be built as well. Employee residential quarters, libraries and museums may be constructed with applicable building permits.

The change in zoning may lead to more jobs being created to support the newly approved uses that would make the fairgrounds more versatile, supporters say.

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