Sanders County Fair Board reviews bids for parking, security

Sanders County Fair Board spent June’s meeting making final preparations for this year’s fair.

The board also welcomed new board member Jolene Burke, owner and CEO of Chase N Three Productions LLC. She was the former state director at Montana Barrel Horse Association. Burke brings to the board experience in the industry. 

There were four individuals from around the county vying for the open position.  

Also new to the Sanders County Fair is seasonal employee Rachel Largent. She was brought on as assistant administrator for fair manager Kristy Sheehan. Burk will be employed between May and September. 

Board members filled the empty vice president position with longtime board member Ted Forkum. He replaced Kim McMahon, who resigned earlier this year.  

Board Chairman Randy Woods said, “He (Forkum) has been real active. He comes down early. He knows what is going on and is a great hand for us.” 

Under new business, Sheehan reviewed bids for fair security, parking personnel, and ticket personnel. This year's bid for parking around the fairgrounds was $12,000, which is $2,000 higher than last year. The company is out of Idaho. In previous years parking fees have raised over $45,000 for the fair.  

Board members voted to accept the parking bid.  

Two possibilities for security personnel were available to board members. The first bid came in at $17,000 and was submitted by Sanders County Search and Rescue. Last year the Sheriff’s Office supplied deputies with overnight security with a few daytime officers present. The Sheriff’s Office offer would be billed out as an hourly rate based on the hours worked.  

The bid for the ticket takers came in at $3,000. Woods said that the board needed to investigate the costs of security further. 

Julie Thurston, representing the county 4-H program, spoke about the upcoming barn improvements needed at the fairgrounds. She has bid requests out for the repairs. One of the bids will be for an animal wash area. 

Sheehan said that the fair has received $42,000 in sponsorship funds for the fair to date. She continued with information about the upcoming fourth of July celebrations. Events will include fireworks, which have been missing for four years. Twenty-eight venders will be on hand. Other events include, a mechanical bull ride, farmers market, corn hole, face painting, bouncy house, pony rides games, and a local band will be on hand during the celebration.

    New Sanders County Fair Board member Jolene Burke. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    New Sanders County Fair Board Vice President Ted Forkum. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
  

    Rachel Largent is the Sanders County Fair administration assistant. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)