Sanders County Fair Board assesses successful '18 event

The Sanders County Fair Board met last Wednesday night for their “Fair Critique,” after another successful fair.

The meeting saw members of the public, and also representatives of many volunteer groups that had a part in the fair.

The floor opened at 7 p.m. and the board jumped straight into it to ensure everyone who attended had ample time to give feedback.

Katie French, one of the representatives from the concessions group, spoke first. Her overall feedback was good for this year’s fair; however, there were a couple of smaller issues that she wanted to address as it was feedback from the public that she had received.

One of the most consistent comments made from the public was the loss of the Corn on the Cob booth.

“People seemed to be disappointed it wasn’t available this year. One of the most affordable buys for food for feeding the whole family so they could enjoy more aspects of fair like the carnival,” said French.

Unfortunately, in past years the seemly affordable food booth didn’t create enough revenue that would constitute it staying open. There was no discussion on whether they would or wouldn’t bring it back in future.

ANOTHER CONSISTENT concern fair-goers had mentioned was issues with parking — more specifically the handicapped access parking.

French relayed to the board that those who use the handicapped parking where unimpressed with its location and price, saying it was unpaved and uneven, and the cost was more than what the “product” offered.

The last big-ticket item she relayed to the board was that of the Vendi ticket system that was used for the first time this year.

With “kinks” to work out, the board as well as fair manager Chris McGuigan acknowledged some of the issues that were presented such as some of the added costs, and the time it took to purchase tickets. The board indicated that they were appreciative of the feedback and where aware of some of the issues French spoke of and are going to be looking into what they can do to rectify the ticket purchasing issues for next year’s fair.

The board accepted that a small handful of the issues and feedback from using the new system were both an inconvenience to both the ticket office and fair-goers, and assured those at the meeting that they will be working diligently to make changes where they apply.

DON BURRELL, who also represented the concessions group, added that the Grange Breakfast was a huge hit for by fair-goers with plenty turning out for the meal.

He also assured the board that feedback overall was good as he hadn’t received many complaints, and agreed with French that overall it was a good fair.

Board member Heidi Kirkwood then spoke briefly to relay some complaints she had received from the public, such as it was seen that a volunteer wasn’t complying with one safe handling food practices that a member of the public had made to her. Both Burrell and French assured the board they would address that particular issue at their upcoming meeting.

DUANE HIGHCRANE then spoke on behalf of the Plains Lions Club with their feedback of their work with the Demolition Derby.

Although this year the Demolition Derby was not the Lions event as seen in past, the local volunteer group still took the reins on the day of the event as assisting the fair with the same jobs they have seen in past, such as ticket taking, and helping spectators find their seats.

Some issues Highcrane spoke of included the arena logs not being in place. He advised the board that a Lions member had to contact Sanders County Commissioner Carol Brooker to have someone bring down the large front-end loader to move the safety logs in place. He then said that the access to the loader was not available again on the Monday after for cleaning of the arena nor was the arena disced for cleanup, which became an impediment to the club. Tuesday after fair, the arena still hadn’t’t been disced for clean-up, according to Highcrane.

Ticket taking procedures had changed this year with the Demolition Derby partly because of the new system. Highcrane said there was confusion concerning seating assignments.

“It appeared to be caused due to overbooking — most likely to the large number of kids under 11 years old taking up seats next to their parents,” said Highcrane.

He added ticket takers seemed to be unfamiliar with sections, rows and seat numbers as well. He offered a possible solution to color code the tickets to match colored section signs, and seating maps to be posted at entry gates.

THE BEER GARDEN was also brought up by Highcrane with him saying,” I locked the gate leading out the west end to keep people from walking into the path of the derby cars and ambulance with the sheriff’s department approval. Later, Sheriff Tom rummel wanted the gate opened. I then contacted the sheriff for clarification the following Tuesday to discuss the issue and he will present a solution to the county and the fair board. The gate did remain closed during the derby on Sunday night.”

Highcrane added that there was a total of 15 cars in this year’s derby, two short of last year’s entries. The feedback from the crowd was that they really enjoyed the arena action and also that of the midway entertainment that broke up the heats.

He also made it a point to say that the Demolition Derby was not being replaced as he had been asked from rumors that had been getting around.

Board members Wade Rehbein and Kirkwood said they were pleased as a board to hear that the crowds had been pleased with the actions, and also noted that the trophies for that were up for grabs looked really good.

THE SANDERS COUNTY Fair Foundation said they also had a successful fair and advised that the addition of water to the beer garden for those that would like a water or where a designated driver were a big hit with attendees.

They advised their net total from the fair was $12,302.99, and 20 percent of that total would go directly back into the fair as to help with upkeep and such that can obviously help with budget costs for projects.

The foundation also suggested that replacing the flags at the front gates could be an annual changeover — as it helps keep the grounds looking good with unfrayed flags. They also acknowledged that the upkeep leading into the 2018 fair included flag replacements, a new website, a holding tank and a couple of smaller improvements.

Although the pre-sale of wristbands for the carnival were down this year compared to last year, the cashiers’ report said there was a $239,527.14 turnover for the fair this year.

Although the number is fairly stable, McGuigan and commissioners Brooker and Margera said there were still some small adjustments to consider, to which was backed up by fair secretary Lynn Felset, that some monies are still yet to be received into the office.

Overall, all board members and officials of the Sanders County Fair said it was a successful year across the board, with a few small adjustments to tackle before next year to ensure they are still progressing while keeping the integrity of the small county fair in place.