SJC Monthly News Digest – February 2024

Have you ever said, “I didn’t hear about that” or “I wish I knew about it sooner” when it comes to County projects? In an effort to continuously improve communications, the County wants to hear from you!  The anonymous survey takes only five to eight minutes and will help the County tailor its communications methods to fit your needs. If you are having trouble accessing the survey online (engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/communications-survey), please call 360-370-7404 to ask for assistance.   

San Juan County Fair Announces 2024 Theme and New Dates 

Did you know the San Juan County Fair used to be held near the Cannery Building in downtown Friday Harbor? It wasn’t until 1924 that the beloved event moved to the fairgrounds we still enjoy today. In celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the Fairgrounds, the department is pleased to announce this year’s theme: “A Century of Growing: 100 Years at Home.”

The Parks & Fair Department is also pleased to announce that instead of running Wednesday through Saturday, this year’s event will run Thursday through Sunday – August 15- 18, 2024.

“While carnival logistics necessitated the change in days of the San Juan County Fair, I am extremely excited for residents on other islands to have more opportunities to attend their own County Fair,” said Parks & Fair Director Brandon Andrews.

Submit Your Poster Art for the 2024 Fair by March 8^th

All San Juan County residents are encouraged to submit poster art for the Fair! As the lead advertising and marketing image for the Fair event, each year’s Fair poster must have four key text phrases worked into the design: “San Juan County Fair,” the fair dates “August 15-18, 2024,” the 2024 Fair theme “A Century of Growing: 100 Years at Home,” and the fair website “www.sjcfair.org.”Contact Amanda Smith, Parks & Fair Events Coordinator, with any questions: amandas@sanjuancountywa.gov, (360) 370-7457

San Juan County Announces Interim Plan for Management While Search for New County Manager Continues

The search for a new County Manger is underway, and in the interim, the County developed a new structure to maintain efficiency and smooth operations. The County’s Health & Community Services Director, Mark Tompkins, will serve as the Interim County Manager with the County’s Parks and Fair Director, Brandon Andrews, serving as the interim Assistant County Manager.

“The County is very fortunate to benefit from the steady handed leadership that Mark Tompkins affords us,” said Council Chair Jane Fuller. “And Brandon Andrews has the full support of the County Council and staff as he steps into this role given his strong performance and capable managing of programming since he joined the County.”

The Community Health Assessment Report is Here! 

The Community Health Assessment (CHA) is now available after months of work to better understand San Juan County residents’ health needs. San Juan County (SJC) partnered with our community to identify health needs, gaps, and existing community strengths, which will help guide the work of public health and partner agencies to support healthier communities.

A full version of the CHA is available online (https://sanjuancountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/29397/2023-San-Juan-County-Community-Health-Assessment). There are also physical copies of the CHA distributed across the county for reading. To find a location with a physical copy near you, go to our Engage page (https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/community-health-assessment) or call our front office at 360-378-4474 and we will be glad to assist you.

Learn more about the County’s recent news by visiting: sanjuancountywa.gov/1930/San-Juan-County-Newsroom