What began as a way to celebrate a high school reunion has grown into a community-wide effort that will create a lasting tribute at the Boundary County Fairgrounds. 

The Bonners Ferry High School Class of 1976 legacy team has partnered with the Boundary County Fair Board to construct a new timber-frame outdoor pavilion that will provide a covered venue for concerts, community events and fairgrounds activities for years to come. 

The structure will be dedicated as the Dave Wenk Memorial Pavilion in honor of the late fair board member and community leader who supported the project before his passing. 

According to legacy team member Dennis Dinning, organizers wanted to do something special to celebrate the Class of 1976's 50th reunion while also recognizing the nation's 250th anniversary. The group decided to book Paper Flowers – Remembering Fleetwood Mac, a popular Fleetwood Mac tribute band that has performed throughout the Northwest. 

However, organizers soon learned that a band required a covered performance space to protect equipment from the weather. 

Rather than abandon the idea, the team partnered with Boundary County Fair manager Jaycee Atkins and the Boundary County Fair Board to create a permanent solution. 

"We said, 'Let's just build one,'" Dinning said. 

The pavilion project quickly became a grassroots community effort, with local businesses, organizations and volunteers stepping forward to contribute materials, labor and services. 

Christian Janzen will oversee construction of the project, while Don Jordon is providing drafting services. Pro X Home Center has become the project's major sponsor, donating materials and providing significant discounts. Ibex Metal is supplying roofing materials, and Idaho Forest Group is donating additional lumber. 

BC Engineers of Hayden is contributing the engineering services required for the state stamp, while JE Enterprises will install the concrete footers. Joe Neumeyer Metal Works is fabricating and donating brackets for the building, and 95 Rentals is providing equipment rentals. 

Additional support has come from the Ripley General Fund and the Bonners Ferry Rotary Club, which is sponsoring a donor recognition plaque that will be permanently displayed at the pavilion. 

"So far, the project has received an estimated $28,000 in donations," Dinning said. 

While enough funding has been secured to construct the pavilion, organizers are still seeking additional support for improvements such as lighting, staining and other finishing touches. Community members who contribute to the project will be recognized on the donor plaque. 

Atkins said the pavilion will provide a much-needed covered venue for entertainment and community events while helping the fairgrounds continue to grow. 

The project is also expected to support Atkins' vision of expanding concerts and other special events at the fairgrounds, creating additional opportunities for residents and visitors while generating revenue for future improvements. 

The Paper Flowers concert on July 18 will serve as the first major event for the new pavilion. 

Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. at the Boundary County Fairgrounds. Recorded hits from the 1970s will play on a big screen before Paper Flowers takes the stage around 7 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, a designated dance area will be provided, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. Recorded music will continue after the performance until 10 p.m. 

Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the gate. Tickets can be purchased through the Boundary County Fairgrounds website, the Paper Flowers website, or by Venmo. 

Proceeds from the concert will support the ongoing restoration and revitalization of the historic Boundary County Fairgrounds, which have served the community for more than a century. Future fundraising efforts will focus on additional fairgrounds improvements, particularly enhancements to the show arena and facilities that could help attract more events, visitors and tourism to Boundary County. 

Community members interested in volunteering, contributing to the pavilion project or learning more about sponsorship opportunities can contact fair manager Jaycee Atkins at 208-267-7041 or by email at [email protected].