New fairgrounds bleachers open ahead of Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo

HANNAH SHIELDS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 months AGO

From left, Flathead County Fairgrounds Manager and county fair board chair Sam Nunnally, Flathead County Commissioners Brad Abell, Pam Holmquist and Randy Brodehl and Flathead County Project Manager and Grant Administrator Whitney Aschenwald cut a ceremonial ribbon in front of the north bleachers at the fairgrounds on Tuesday, Aug. 5. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider

The new north bleachers next to the grandstand at the Flathead County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, Aug. 5. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider

The covered grandstand at the Flathead County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, Aug. 5. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider

Flathead County Fairgrounds Manager and county fair board chair Sam Nunnally speaks during a ceremony to unveil the north bleachers at the fairgrounds on Tuesday, Aug. 5. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider

Flathead County Commissioner Pam Holmquist applauds attendees involved in the North Bleacher Replacement Project during a ceremony to unveil the bleachers at the Flathead County Fairgrounds on Tuesday, Aug. 5. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider

Opening just in time for the start next week of the Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo, shiny, new fairgrounds bleachers were unveiled Tuesday morning at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

“Today marks an exciting next step forward,” said Fairgrounds Manager Sam Nunnally. “We're here to celebrate the completion of a project that has been a long time in the making — the brand-new bleachers.”

The new aluminum north bleachers seat approximately 400 more than the old wooden structure at about 1,600 seats total, and cost $1.3 million, according to Nunnally.

The project was paid for with capital improvement plan funds and county savings, approved by the Flathead County commissioners. The fair manager extended his gratitude toward all three commissioners, who were present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of the Flathead County commissioners, their commitment to enhancing public spaces and supporting the future of the fairgrounds, which has a crucial impact in our life,” Nunnally said.

All three seating structures at the county fairgrounds underwent a thorough inspection last year. The covered grandstands have been in use since the 1930s. The north bleachers were closed after the inspection determined the stands were unsafe for use.

Signs of wear were detected on the covered grandstands, and repairs were made to address immediate issues. Nunnally said another round of inspections will be conducted on the grandstands this fall to determine future maintenance projects that will prolong the seating structure’s lifespan.

The infield stands that sit adjacent to the arena are still in good condition, Nunnally told the Daily Inter Lake, other than maybe needing a new paint job.

The next big project is to remove the old horse barns on the county fairgrounds. Seven of the nine have shown signs of deterioration and can’t be utilized for safety reasons, Nunnally said.

The county won’t move forward with demolition, however, until it makes plans to fill the gap following removal. The fairgrounds is currently in the process of getting cost estimates from contractors.

The project is part of a 60-acre master plan for the county fairgrounds that started 15 years ago. Nunnally said he wants to hold a public-involved master plan session, so community members can comment on where the new buildings should be built.

However, funds need to be secured first, before there's a public session, Nunnally said.

The Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo kicks off Aug. 12, and tickets are available for purchase at nwmtfair.com.

Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 758-4439 or [email protected].