New bleachers are just the beginning for fairgrounds improvements

Classic rock icon Joan Jett, country artist Scotty McCreery and a slate of world-class PRCA rodeo athletes will perform in front of a roaring crowd at next week’s Northwest Montana Fair, thanks to the timely completion of new bleachers at the fairgrounds. 

Flathead County commissioners were on hand Monday to celebrate the unveiling of the new structure, which will seat about 1,600 people — roughly 400 more than the old north bleachers that were demolished last year due to safety concerns. 

The new aluminum seating came with a price tag of about $1.3 million, funded through a combination of county savings and capital improvement funds. 

The commissioners made the right call in authorizing the sizable investment, and Fairgrounds Manager Sam Nunnally deserves credit for keeping the project on track for completion ahead of this year’s highly anticipated fair festivities. 

But make no mistake: There is more work to be done. Installing the new bleachers marks only the beginning of deferred maintenance projects at the fairgrounds that require immediate attention. 

Beyond the structural issues with the north bleachers, an inspection of the grandstands last year revealed signs of wear on the main covered seating area, originally built in the 1930s. Another inspection is scheduled for this fall to determine what work is needed to preserve the historic wooden grandstand. 

It would be a shame not to prioritize funding for safety upgrades that would keep these traditional fairgrounds seats in use. The commission must act promptly when the inspection report arrives and avoid letting the work be delayed until it’s too late. 

The fairgrounds’ horse barns also need urgent attention. Seven of the nine barns have shown signs of deterioration and cannot be used safely, according to Nunnally. 

The county isn’t ready to proceed with demolishing the barns, as officials are still uncertain about future use of the space — and funding for demolition has not been secured. 

The barns represent another area where deferred maintenance has piled up due to a lack of funding. 

Nunnally envisions a public meeting to determine next steps and to review a master plan for the fairgrounds. This would be an ideal opportunity to bring these maintenance projects to the forefront and ensure they receive the attention they deserve. 

As a broad economic driver, keeping the fairgrounds in top shape should be among the county’s capital priorities. The fairgrounds offer one of the few large-capacity venues in the region and are used regularly for a variety of events inside the trade center and at the grandstands (ALERT banquet, craft fairs, outdoor concerts, boat and RV shows, etc.). 

While the spotlight this week is on the fair, it’s important to remember that this property is more than just a seasonal attraction. It’s a vital economic engine for the entire region — and it must be maintained accordingly.