Sanders County Fair Board finalizes details
Sanders County Fair Board was busy at last Wednesday’s meeting making final preparations for the fair, carnival and rodeo.
First on the agenda was to address long-term usage of the horse barns.
Currently, Nick Grancio has been using the fair’s horse barns to house several horses. The board was concerned with the unexpected length of time Grancio had been using the barns and if the county insurance would cover any incidents.
Board member Jim Newman said the board thought the length of time was going to be short-term.
Grancio said he has found another location and will repair any damage that may have occurred during the time his horses were at the barn.
Board Member Kim McMahon gave an update on the carnival for the upcoming fair. The carnival will have 17 rides with two new additions for this year. One hundred free carnival tickets during this year’s fair will be randomly handed out during Thursday’s carnival.
Carnival tickets will also be going on sale, at many locations throughout Sanders County starting July 20. Rodeo tickets are available online now.
A first for the Sanders County Fair, overnight security will be provided by the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office. Two deputies will be on duty during the night. The board voted to reimburse the Sheriff’s Office for overtime hours for each deputy.
Board members also voted to change this year’s ticketing system. In the past the fair rented equipment for ticket sales. This year the board will purchase handheld devices for ticketing. New wi-fi boosters will be added by Blackfoot Communications to work with the new equipment.
Many repairs are taking place throughout the fairgrounds. An increase of 24 ADA parking spots with signage is being installed along Fifth Avenue and River Road for a total of 40 throughout the fairgrounds.
Arena lighting will be replaced with new LED lights. A low bid of $65,000, by Smith Electric, a lock contractor, was reviewed. It will not be installed for this year’s fair.
New signage will be replacing old, faded signs throughout the fairgrounds.
A new cooler for the Pavilion kitchen will be installed. Funding was provided by a grant to the local 4-H organization. The existing cooler will be moved to one of the concession booths.
Board members were concerned with the long lines at the beer garden and are working to resolve the issue. Beer purchases will still be limited to two per visit. Additional signage will be added at the beer garden exits, stating no alcohol in the midway.
Candy for this year’s parade is being purchased and the Citizen of the Year will be long time Plains resident, Kim McNeal.
An additional ATM will be added to this year’s fairgrounds and its servicing will be contracted out to an outside company.
A final walkthrough with board members and 4H will take place in August and any additional repairs will be made.
