Sanders County Fair Board planning 2019 event

Some thought a miracle would be needed for the Sanders County Fair Board to pull off this year’s fair. With an almost completely new board and a new manager coming on just more than three months before fair time, it did seem like a daunting task.

It wasn’t so much a miracle, but sheer determination, teamwork, and competence that has kept the event plans moving forward, so this year’s fair looks to be as pleasant and exciting as ever. In the meantime, though, there are a lot of details to handle.

At the May 15 meeting, Mark Riffle, who is developing the fair’s website, said he is ready for more information to fill out the site’s content. He will work with new fair manager Melissa Cady and building superintendents to get the information he needs. The updated site will be accessible on mobile devices as well as computer, enhancing users’ ability to add, edit, or remove fair entries from anywhere, online. Online entries free up a lot of fair staff work, freeing them up to work more on the grounds and other needs. The Sanders County Fair Entry Catalog will be available online as soon as it’s been finalized.

DISCUSSION CONTINUES around the use of fair fields for haying and pasture. One user who pastures his mules on fair-owned land might be affected as another has been granted rights to the hay if he cleans up the trash and various items as he crosses the field. Board chair Randy Woods and Cady will try to work out an agreement with the two parties.

Knights of Columbus will again run the Bingo tent on the grounds, proceeding with the same agreement as last year.

The board grappled with what to charge groups that wish to use the fairgrounds for events outside of fair season and/or rent tables and chairs from the fair, and whether non-profits will pay, as well. A committee will compare rates charged at other fairs to help decide rates for Sanders County.

Cady reported that a leak in the irrigation system has been fixed. She has been working with PRCA to bring on more corporate sponsors for the rodeo, so far approaching Montana Silversmiths, Justin Boots and Coors, who will be donating beer.

The Junior Rodeo is confirmed for Aug. 10 and 11.

Three applicants will be interviewed soon for the fair’s administrative assistant position.

Nominations are still being sought for Sanders County Citizen of the Year to be honored during the fair parade.