SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners unanimously agreed to recommend Sarah Mitchell sit on the county’s fair board at a recent interview session after an evaluation of several experienced candidates.  

An official appointment will be approved at a Tuesday business meeting. No specific date was mentioned, as commissioners will soon begin the interview process for a second open fair board position.  

Mitchell revealed herself to be the most qualified for the position, and a favorite for both commissioners Brian Domke and Ron Korn. All four prospects, however, according to Domke, presented their own unique qualities and interests, and would add their own value if chosen to sit on the board.  

“I really liked Sarah Mitchell for a lot of reasons,” Korn said. “She understands the community, she’s grounded, which I think is a positive thing for any board now. She’s someone who actually has a firm grip on what’s going on.” 

Mitchell stood out as a top candidate with her extensive background at Lighthouse Foods, where she said she’s been able to become an expert in cost-saving functions. Mitchell said she has managed every department within Lighthouse, except Human Resources.  

“I’m very driven when it comes to finding solutions and saving money,” Mitchell said. “The fairgrounds, if it's not the biggest asset that the county owns, it's one of the biggest assets. So, we owe it to our taxpayers to manage that in the best way we can, to bring in as much income to support that area, and to keep our costs controlled. It’s not a play pin for our county; it’s a very large asset.”  

Born and raised in Sandpoint, Mitchell said she has a lifelong connection to the Bonner County Fair — even recounting when the fair was on Ontario Street. Mitchell said her history stems from serving as a superintendent at the fair and volunteering for livestock and flowers. 

“My mother was superintendent of flowers for 60 years, so I have a very big history in the fair. I have grandkids in the fair; it’s their turn after my kids were in it.”  

Throughout the interview process, Mitchell answered a handful of questions from Domke and Korn, all related to the fair event, collaboration with other fair board members, and other applicable suggestions to elevate the fair experience for attendees.  

The application process for a second open fair board position is slated to close this week, where county commissioners will have an opportunity to interview another round of potential candidates for the board. At that time, candidates who were not chosen for the first board opening will be considered again.