Fair commission discusses improvements to annual event

During the September Sanders County Fair Commission meeting, Fair Manager Kisty Sheehan reported that attendance numbers were down compared to last year.

"Numbers were down from last year with ticket sales and with tickets sold at the carnival," Sheehan said. "We were up on our presales for the actual carnival."

Fair Commission member Brian Crain asked whether the decline may have been influenced by the fatal carnival accident that occurred in Butte this past summer.

"I think it was the weather," Sheehan responded, "but I did hear a lot from parents after that accident."

Much of the meeting focused on ways to improve next year's fair.

"There is always room for improvement," said Fair Commission Chair Randy Woods. "We notice different things as the events are going on. We make lists to work on for next year."

Among the ideas discussed were rebuilding the announcer's stand and creating a VIP viewing area.

A lengthy discussion also centered on vendors leaving the fairgrounds before the event concluded.

"Some of the things I saw right away, especially Sunday, were vendors pulling out way early. That looks bad," Woods said. "We had the demo crowd there. Sunday is the biggest day on the grounds, and we had all these vendors pulling out. Some of the nonprofits left Sunday morning."

According to Woods, the Demolition Derby draws the largest crowd of any fair event and generates the most spending on the fairgrounds.

Parking issues were also discussed, with commission members offering suggestions to reduce congestion during vendor arrivals and departures. During this year's fair, six tow trucks were on site to remove illegally parked vehicles. Additional signage warning that vehicles will be towed is expected to be installed before future fairs.

Sheehan addressed the issue of vendors leaving early.

"They shouldn't leave early. It is in the contract," she said. "Those people will be the last invited back."

Annie Wooden, owner of the Sanders County Ledger, spoke to the commission about reducing fees charged to nonprofit vendors. Currently, the Sanders County Fair charges nonprofit vendors a fee equal to 20% of gross revenue, which is comparable to fees charged at the Missoula and Ravalli county fairs.

Commission member Rick Sanders noted that nonprofit vendors benefit from the use of fair-owned equipment in their booths, much of which is scheduled for replacement.

Wendy Carr, a Sanders County Extension agent, presented the fair report. This year's fundraising event, "Kiss the Pig," featured local leaders Brian Crain, Tony Cox, Randy Woods and Kevin Hill, who volunteered to participate. Votes were cast through donations made on behalf of each candidate.

After the votes were tallied, Crain earned the opportunity to kiss the grand champion hog during the 4-H livestock sale.

Carr also raised concerns about limited space for rabbit and poultry exhibits, noting that participation continues to increase each year. Several potential solutions were discussed, including expanding exhibit space into the cattle barn or constructing a new facility for rabbit and poultry exhibits and judging.

Commission members suggested exploring grant opportunities to help fund the project.

During her report, Sheehan also raised the possibility of offering military discounts at future fairs. She additionally noted a lack of wheelchair seating at some events.

Several commissioners offered suggestions, with Woods recommending that the board explore locations where additional accessible seating could be added.

"Everything went nice and smooth in the office, even without a secretary who quit the Wednesday before the fair," Sheehan said. "The ticket agents were all really good this year."

    Sanders County Fair Commission Member Rick Sanders discussing vendor fees. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)