Wasco County approves renaming fairgrounds swine arena for longtime 4-H volunteer Bob Gustafson

Wasco County commissioners voted unanimously on Aug. 6 to rename the Swine Arena at the Wasco County Fairgrounds the Bob Gustafson Swine Arena, honoring decades of volunteer service by Gustafson.

The request came from Leah of Wasco County 4‑H, who told commissioners that Gustafson, 87, has provided thousands of volunteer hours supporting the fair and 4‑H activities. Leah said 4‑H will pay for the sign and hopes the county will allow the dedication to occur during the 4‑H award ceremony at the fair.

Leah told the board the sign would be placed on the announcer’s booth in the arena — the most public-facing location during shows — and that the fair board had unanimously recommended the renaming. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about which structure would carry the sign and whether other buildings on the fairgrounds carried honorary names; staff and fairboard members identified several, including the Ken Webb Kitchen and the Johnson Memorial Goat Barn.

Action: Commissioner moved to approve the renaming; motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Implementation notes show 4‑H will fund the sign, and the fairboard will place the dedication during the fair’s 4‑H awards.

Why it matters: The change is an honorary recognition of a longtime volunteer and will be carried out with no county capital outlay for signage. The board made the decision during its regular meeting after the fairboard requested county approval because the fairgrounds are county property.

What’s next: Facilities staff will coordinate placement of the sign and the county will work with 4‑H to schedule the dedication at the 4‑H awards ceremony during the upcoming fair.