Pierce County’s third Livable Communities Fair will be held April 8, 2006 at the Puyallup Fairgrounds, and expectations are high. The first LCF in 2002 drew 5,000 people to the Tacoma Narrows Airport near Gig Harbor, and attendance more than doubled in 2004 at Pacific Lutheran University.

“We are anticipating a crowd exceeding 15,000, perhaps even 20,000, at the Fairgrounds next spring,” said LCF project manager Diane Braaten, assistant to County Executive John Ladenburg. “The Fairgrounds is an excellent location — people like to go there.”

“Pierce County was named one of the most livable communities in America, and we believe it’s important for the community to come together and celebrate that. Executive Ladenburg launched the fair in 2002 and has made it a high priority for his administration. We have rolled up our sleeves and are doing the work, and we are inviting others to join with us,” she said, adding that Ladenburg’s vision is for the fair location to keep changing so that other communities will have opportunity to have it in their areas.

Braaten and her team are receiving enthusiastic responses from potential sponsors, exhibitors and volunteers. Previous fairs featured more than 120 exhibitors. That number is expected to reach 200 for 2006.

“The Livable Communities Fair has established itself as a highly successful environmental festival. We are telling potential sponsors and exhibitors that the fair offers great exposure for their products and services,” she said. “We welcome any idea that benefits Pierce County neighborhoods, such as gardening, home improvement, recreation, energy savings, recycling, transportation and community involvement.”

Suggested sponsorship levels are from $50 to $500. More information about being a fair sponsor, exhibitor or volunteer can be obtained by visiting http://www.livablepiercecounty.org or contacting Braaten at (253) 798-6691 or PCLCF@co.pierce.wa.us.