It will cost more to attend the Northwest Montana Fair this year.

For the first time in 10 years, the fair is increasing gate admission prices. Adults will pay $7, which is $2 more per person than the previous $5 gate charge.

There’s also a big change for senior citizens and children.

For the past six years seniors 60 and up and children 12 and under have been admitted free of charge every day to the fair. This year seniors and children 6 to 12 will pay $4 at the gate while children 5 and under will be admitted for free.

The fair will revert to its traditional free day for seniors and children on Thursday, Aug. 20, during the fair.

Fairgrounds Manager Mark Campbell said increased utility costs across the board — electricity, water, sewer and natural gas — plus an increase in the minimum wage paid to temporary fair workers are the driving factors for raising gate admission.

“We don’t want profit per se; we’re trying to make a balance and we’ve been struggling with lower revenue,” Campbell said.

The fair gets an annual appropriation of $282,000 from Flathead County, and the goal is to use that money for capital improvement projects at the fairgrounds, Campbell said.

Underway at the fairgrounds currently is a $690,000 upgrade to install storm drains and new utility lines through the midsection of the fairgrounds where the food court buildings are located. When completed, new paved roads will be featured both in front and back of the food court.

Last year a new roof was put on the grandstand and initial utility improvements were completed. The work in 2014 and this year represent a $1.5 million upgrade.

Money raised through gate admission and admission to special events during the fair pays for the lion’s share of operating the fairgrounds year-round.

About 74 percent of the fairgrounds’ annual revenue is derived from the Northwest Montana Fair. Building and grounds rental fees account for 15 to 16 percent and sponsorships bring in another 8 to 9 percent.

Discounted prices are available through July 15 for rodeo, demolition derby and concert tickets.

General admission tickets for the Sam Riddle concert Aug. 18 are $15 for adults or $10 for children. Beginning July 16, adult ticket prices increase to $20.

Reserved and party-pit tickets for the Kristian Bush performance Aug. 19 are currently $31. General admission tickets are $26 for adults or $15 for children ages 6 to 12. Beginning July 16, ticket prices increase to $30 for general admission and $35 for reserved and party-pit seating.

Children 5 and under are admitted free at both concerts in the general admission area.

Those planning to purchase rodeo or demolition derby tickets are also encouraged to do so by July 15 to buy at last year’s prices.

Starting July 16, reserved seating for the rodeo jumps from $20 to $24, while general admission increases from $15 to $20. There will be three days of rodeo action during the fair on Aug. 20-22.

Demolition derby tickets cost $15 through July 15, then jump to $20. The annual demo derby is planned Aug. 23.

Concert, rodeo and demolition derby tickets are available at the fairgrounds office or online at www.nwmtfair.com. If purchased and printed prior to arriving at the fairgrounds, concert, rodeo and demolition derby tickets include admission to the fair.

Carnival rides will remain at last year’s pricing, with North Star Amusements and Paradise Amusements providing rides and games on the midway.

The theme for this year’s fair is “Kick It Up.”

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.