Volunteers and Resources Needed for Fairgrounds Work Day

WAITSBURG – The LDS Church of Walla Walla has a tradition of volunteering to help communities on Make a Difference Day. This year, the church has chosen to donate their time and effort to Waitsburg fairgrounds renovation efforts. Local volunteers, donations and resources are needed to make the Oct. 22 workday a success.

The Waitsburg Commercial Club is working with the Waitsburg Friends of the Fairgrounds Committee to coordinate the project. Volunteer efforts will center around the proposed equestrian area at the fairgrounds, where barns, stalls, and grounds will be rehabbed.

"The project requires local volunteers on a large scale. We need about 200-300 Waitsburg community volunteers to work alongside the church volunteers to paint, dig, and do demolition and carpentry work," said Commercial Club President Joy Smith.

A detailed task list has been prepared for the event. Projects include: clearing downed tree limbs, clearing and preparing a pasture area, west parking lot improvements (including fence removal/replacement), north fencing and driveway access improvements, painting the 4-H barn, renovation of Barn B (the Railroad building), and work on the temporary barn and long shed row.

The Commerical Club will solicit monetary donations and donations of materials and equipment to accomplish the projects. Contact the Commerical Club via Facebook, via email at waitsburgcc@icloud.com, or contact Joy Smith at (509) 539-8773 to offer time, money or materials.

Donated items and services needed include: scissor lift, branch cutters, saws, chipper, tractor, earthmoving equipment, hole digging auger, electrical services, paint, ceiling fans, fencing materials, grass seed, tree services and gravel. An updated list of items needed will be posted on the Waitsburg Commercial Club Facebook page in the coming weeks.

In addition to the fairgrounds projects, senior citizens or those with disabilities that need help with yard work can be added to the project list.

Work will begin at 8 a.m. at the Waitsburg Fairgrounds on Oct. 22, and will conclude with a lunch at noon.