Final preparations made for Sanders County fair
Sanders County Fair Board Chair Randy Woods at the August meeting. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Final preparations for the 2024 Sanders County Fair took place during the August Fair Board meeting.
Sixty-three vendors have signed up for this year’s fair. Fair Board Manager Kristy Sheehan was also able to secure a contract with a new carnival company.
“It’s going to be bigger and better than ever,” commented Board Chair Randy Woods.
The first item discussed during the board meeting was how this year’s hospitality tent was going to be staffed. The hospitality tent supplies food for the contestants and will have volunteers and Fair Board committee members serving food. Clark Fork Custom Meats donated 50 pounds of meat.
Fair board members looked at two organizations for fair security. Sanders County Search and Rescue submitted a quote of $17,000. During last year’s fair, the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office provided 24 hour security based on an hourly rate. Board members voted to use the Sheriff's Office again.
Parade Grand Marshal will be Dick Vinson from Thompson Falls.
Sanders County 4-H Youth Development agent Juli Thurston was on hand to give committee members an update on youth participation for the upcoming fair. A total of 982 entries have been submitted, which is 173 more than last year. Thirteen more families are participating over last year and 10 more kids are showing sheep and goats over last year.
“This is the most entries we have had in the last eight years,” Thurston said.
Sheehan said that the fair will take in $54,000 in sponsorships. Blackfoot Communications has installed fiber optics internet in the fair office. New high-speed ticket readers will be at each of the three ticket gates. William Largent, owner of Ather Technology, installed the new wi-fi readers. Two ATMs will be available on fairground property. Final installation for new LED arena lighting is taking place.
The schedule of events for the week of the fair follows:
Monday, Aug. 26, Arts, Crafts, Home sewing, Needlecraft and Photography exhibits entered.
Tuesday, Aug. 27, Judging for Art, Crafts, Photography Sewing and Needlecraft
Wednesday, Aug. 28, Culinary Arts, Floriculture and Horticulture exhibits entered from 10am to 8pm. Livestock, Poultry, and Rabbits exhibits entered 1pm to 6pm
Levi Blom Concert starts at 7 p.m. Blom is a Southern Montana native, born in Butte who began his music journey in 2016. His music style is Montana Country Rock.
Thursday, Aug. 29, Open class livestock judging, Judging for Culinary Arts, Floriculture and Horticulture exhibits 10am
Carnival rides open at 4 p.m.
PRCA Rodeo starts at 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 30, Open class Livestock judging after 4-H
Carnival Rides open at 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 31, Sanders County Fair Parade starts at 11 a.m.
Open Class Beef judging 11:30 a.m.
Carnival Rides open at noon
PRCA Rodeo start at 7 p.m.
Sunday Sept. 1, 4-H Awards Presentation 9am
4-H Livestock sale 10 a.m.
Carnival Rides open at Noon.