Coos County Fair Manager Cindy Bedingfield has it right. The fairgrounds doesn't need a big events center. It needs a functional arena where equestrians can compete and 4-H kids can show their animals.

Bedingfield wants to build just that. She would scale back the dream of a 70,000-square-foot events center to a pragmatic, 25,000-square-foot, open-air metal building. At $450,000, it's far more affordable than a $3.5 million monstrosity.

Coos County's 4-H clubs, horse groups and others ought to support her.

Our little fair serves a unique, agriculturally oriented market. The organizations and 4-H clubs that would make the most use of the new structure don't need a giant heated building that will gobble fairgrounds funds. The fair has enough trouble balancing its books year after year.

The fairgrounds' remote, rural location is both a handicap and an asset. Though Myrtle Point is a charming spot, few conventions or shows will come there, no matter what kind of facility the county builds. But a smaller, strictly functional building will attract local users and livestock-oriented visitors. By targeting that niche market, the fairgrounds won't have to compete with larger urban venues.

The adage about spending money to make money might work for business speculators. But for a tiny, publicly owned fair, situated off the beaten path, small and practical is best.