Sanders County Fairgrounds to hold July 4 fireworks show
TRACY SCOTT Valley Press | Valley Press-Mineral Independent | UPDATED 4 days, 2 hours AGO
Sanders County Fair Manager Kristy Sheehan talks about improving the grandstand sound system. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Members of the Sanders County Fair Commission voted during their recent meeting to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary with a fireworks display on July 4.
The commission allocated $2,000 for the event and is exploring the possibility of having the Plains Volunteer Fire Department oversee the fireworks display.
Last year, Valley Bank and First Security Bank helped sponsor the event. Fair Manager Kristy Sheehan said she will continue seeking additional sponsors to help fund the celebration.
Commission members also selected "Cowboy Boots and Back to Our Roots" as the theme for the 2026 Sanders County Fair.
Sheehan reported that extensive renovations to the Hospitality Cover are underway with donated labor expected to complete the project by July. She also discussed needed repairs to the grandstands and said she is seeking either a supplier willing to donate lumber or a company that can provide materials at a reduced cost.
Security for this year's fair will be provided by Cates Security, a private firm that supplies security services for events throughout the Northwest.
The fairgrounds also welcomed a new part-time employee, Cameron Vulles, who resides on the fairgrounds and assists with maintenance projects. Sheehan said she would like to bring Vulles on as a full-time employee, pending approval from commissioners and budget availability.
One concern frequently raised by fairgoers is the quality of the arena's sound system. A Butte-based company is expected to submit a bid to provide a demonstration sound system for the 2026 fair at a cost of approximately $8,000. Installation of a permanent system is estimated to cost about $16,000.
"If we do not get it this year, it will for sure be next year," Sheehan said.
Plans for the upgraded system would include speakers installed throughout the grandstand sections to improve sound quality for spectators.
During her manager's report, Sheehan also discussed efforts to restrict smoking to designated areas and address issues involving stray dogs on the fairgrounds.
Sponsorship revenue has reached $42,000 to date. Sheehan said the fair is projecting sponsorships to total approximately $72,000 for 2026, compared with $58,000 raised last year.