Sanders County Fair rodeo adds new event

Many preparations for the 2026 Sanders County Fair were finalized during the January Fair Commission meeting, including the announcement of a highly anticipated addition to this year’s rodeo. 

A new competition, breakaway roping, will debut at the fair, bringing the local rodeo in line with others across the state.

Unlike traditional calf roping, where a rider ropes and ties a calf, breakaway roping requires competitors to rope the calf around the neck with a rope attached to the saddle horn by a string. When the rider signals the horse to stop, the calf reaches the end of the rope, causing the string to break and stopping the timer. The fastest time wins. The event is open to both men and women.

Commission members also voted to open contract submittals for security, cleaning, fire and EMS services, as well as ushers. 

Fair Manager Kristy Sheehan reviewed proposed changes to the 2026 security contract, including adjustments to on-site coverage times and the number of personnel required on a 24-hour basis. Sheehan requested additional security staffing for the demolition derby.

“We had people climbing the backs of the bleachers and the walls last year trying to get into the demo,” Sheehan said. “I’d like to place deputies in those areas to stop that.”

A proposal to change several entry locations to the fairgrounds was also discussed. After reviewing costs and potential gate locations, commission members voted to proceed with the gate changes.

The commission approved a contract with Hit Hard or Go Home to host the Demolition Derby for a second year. The contract price for the 2026 fair is $70,000.

Major upgrades are underway at the fair’s caretaker house, including new appliances, flooring, lighting, and electrical fixtures. The anticipated cost of the remodel is approximately $8,000, and commission members voted to approve the expense.

Dallas Branna was hired to perform most fairgrounds maintenance and will begin work on Jan. 21. Branna will move into the fairgrounds housing once the remodel is complete.

Montana State University Extension Agent Wendy Carr attended the meeting to discuss upcoming 4-H events. Carr announced she will transition to part-time status at the extension office. Jamie Schmidt, who began working on Jan. 5, will assume some of Carr’s duties.

In her manager’s report, Sheehan confirmed that last year’s carnival vendor will return for the 2026 fair. She also noted that improvements to the bucking chute area will be evaluated by an engineer, with plans to construct a larger announcer’s stand and increase seating capacity. Upgrades to the south bleacher area are expected to begin soon, with completion anticipated by early April.

    Sanders County Fair Manager Kristy Sheehan discusses fair contracts during the January Fair Commission meeting. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)