The Western Montana Fair: An Enterprise-Wide Event

As you've seen throughout the month of August, an exceptional amount of work and year-long (if not years-long) planning goes into making the Western Montana Fair a success. Our Fairgrounds Director, Todd Garrett, and his senior staff, including Tracy Mullennix and Pirrie Harris, work with vendors, community groups, nonprofit organizations, contractors, rodeo personnel and countless others to organize the many diverse facets of the Fair. While the event itself may only span one week of the calendar year, it requires continual efforts to ensure that week is enjoyable for all who visit and participate in the Western Montana Fair.

Dedicated Western Montana Fair and Events Center staff are knowledgeable, courteous and put in enumerable hours of work finalizing contracts, setting up the grounds, organization groups and training/coordinating volunteers. They are the face of the Fair. However, there is no way they could possibly do their job without the assistance of other Missoula County departments along the way.

While walking the grounds, you  likely noticed that some buildings have been moved and/or renovated. The grounds were clean and well maintained. The Fair Office was air conditioned. Fences were repaired and buildings were painted. This work didn't happen overnight. Our Facilities Management staff have been working nearly around the clock all year to improve the grounds for public and staff use. They worked to ensure the office was ADA accessible and included an entrance and exit to better accommodate the flow of foot traffic in and out of the building.

They also had decided staff on the grounds throughout Fair week to manage all other miscellaneous tasks: ranging from post-storm set-up of tents, to air conditioning/cooler maintenance, to maintaining working bathroom facilities for public use. They worked with waste disposal vendors to ensure garbage was collected frequently. Staff has continued working at the Fairgrounds post-event to clean all buildings and public areas and to make improvements to the grounds for the many functions that occur each and every week.

In addition to Facilities Management staff, the Missoula City-County Health Department plays a tremendous role in keeping public health and safety the top priority. Environmental Health inspectors work with each and every vendor to ensure food is being prepared, cleaned, stored and served safely. They provide training to vendors and those handling food to share their expertise in food safety. The Health Department continually performs checks throughout the week to sustain high standards. Health staff also share their findings with other Missoula County staff and keep the media informed of their findings and processes.

Because the public's health and safety are our top priorities, the role of the Missoula County Sheriff's Office and the City of Missoula Police are invaluable. Not only do these agencies provide security to the public, staff and the grounds, they keep a watchful eye on conditions. Missoula County was experiencing storms on Monday of the Fair. Along with the Missoula County Office of Emergency Management staff, officials were working together to gauge the constantly shifting conditions to keep those in attendance safe. Emergency evacuation plans were reviewed by all and shared with senior staff had an emergent situation arose. Thankfully, despite some unfavorable weather days and a strong storm, no one - including animals were harmed.

The need to share important updates, such as pending  weather or evacuation protocols, is immediate and crucial during Fair week. Communications channels have to be working properly for staff to best serve the public. Our Technology department added WiFi, additional computers and phone lines. They were also at the ready in case any of these vehicles were not working properly.

The Auditor's Office processes all payroll and payments. The County Attorney's Office reviews contracts. The Commissioners visit the grounds seeking feedback from the public, vendors and staff to identify ways we can always be improving. Communications staff help to answer inquiry and disseminate timely information. Staff volunteer to work the ticket booth or in the parking lot.

It takes a tremendous County-wide effort to put on the Fair. We have an incredible staff, spanning all departments, who pitch in where and how they can to provide a service to their community. We hope you enjoyed the 2015 Western Montana Fair!

Susie Edwards-Miller

Susie Edwards-Miller

Title: Senior Secretary

Years at the Fair: 4 or 5

What will you remember most from the 2015 Western Montana Fair?: I was able to organize the Free Stage and enjoyed that process.

What do you like best about your role at the Fair?: “My kids are in 4H and I really enjoy being able to see them participate.”

Commissioners Impose Stage II Fire Restrictions

Missoula County Commissioners voted today (Aug. 27, 2015)  to impose Stage II Fire Restrictions in Missoula County, effective 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28, 2015. Stage II Restrictions include all Stage I restrictions, including extending the perpetual prohibition of fireworks from County parks, Forest Service and State lands to private lands within the county, as well as placing additional restrictions within the county.

The following acts are prohibited until further notice: building maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire; smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

The following acts are prohibited from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m.: operating any internal combustion engine; welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame; using an explosive; operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails; and all fireworks.

Individuals can be fined up to $5,000 or $10,000 for an organization and imprisoned for up to six months for violating restrictions and closures. Individuals can be held liable for all suppression costs and damages if they are responsible for starting a fire.

Stage II Restrictions have nine exemptions, including exempting those who have written permits and emergency repair of public utilities and railroads.

This move comes on the heels of the Missoula County Fire Protection Association’s determination that fire danger in Missoula County is Extreme. That determination is in consultation with all local fire agencies, land management agencies and local government and is based on information related to weather, fuels, and current and expected conditions.

Stage II Restrictions 

Resolution, Page 1

Resolution, Page 2

Marissa McClintock: Western Montana Fair's Seasonal Senior Secretary

Marissa McClintock

Title: Seasonal Senior Secretary

Years at the Fair: 2

How did you become involved?: “I was looking for summer job after my first year of student teaching. A family friend, Patty Baumgart [Missoula County's HR Director], said she would look to see what was available at the County. This was that opening.”

What will you remember most from the 2015 Western Montana Fair?: “We always pull together and make whatever it is work.”

What do you like best about your role at the Fair?: “The people. Everyone is very nice and brings their own unique talents.”

Tracy Mullenix: The Fairgrounds' Amazing Administrative Aide

Tracy Mullennix

Title: Fair Administrative Aide

Years at the Fair: 1

How did you become involved?: “I have lived in Missoula for 15 years and always came to the Fair with my kids. I was working at the Count Attorney’s office  and saw that this position was available. I have a degree in Parks and Recreation. This job more closely aligns with that and with my passions. My experience in recreational planning has served me very well in this role.”

What will you remember most from the 2015 Western Montana Fair?: “As a staff, we have really grown together and have the ability to laugh and be helpful and provide as much service to the public as possible.”

What do you like best about your role at the Fair? “Teamwork. I am able to put my passions into what I’m working on and have great people around to support all our efforts.”

Tracy Mullennix

Meet Fairgrounds Support Services Manager, Pirrie Harris

Pirrie Harris

Title: Support Services Manager

Years at the Fair: 3

How did you become involved?: “I started here in an occasional laborer position working outside picking up the garbage and maintaining the grounds during the week of the Fair. The next year I was promoted to work in the office and have been in my current role for the past year.”

What will you remember most from the 2015 Western Montana Fair?: “This is the 100^th anniversary of the rodeo. I was able to design the buckles which is something I will never forget.”

What do you like best about your role at the Fair? “I love working with the people I work with. We all work well together and we bring this event together well. I like the opportunity to be able to see how all our efforts pay off once the Fair does kick off.”

Time-Lapse Video: Carnival Set Up and the Storm

We had a large storm Monday evening with wind gusts recorded at hurricane strength. We were also in the process of getting carnival vendors set up for the Fair. Check out this time-lapse video to see just how intense the storm was and just how much work goes into Fair preparations. Aside from one tree, no one, including animals, were injured in the storm!

 

What You Need to Know for the 2015 Fair

Excitement is building for the Western Montana Fair which kicks off on Wednesday, Aug. 12! Whether you’ve been attending for years, or are going for the first time, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make 2015 the best year yet! Read more to find out about hours, ticketing, prices, events and other important links to check out. Let us know you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you soon!

 When is the Western Montana Fair?

• The Western Montana Fair is scheduled for August 11-16, 2015.

Where is the Fair?

• The fairgrounds are located on the corner of Russell Street and South Avenue in Missoula. Some buildings have moved as part of our renovations. Check out this updated map. 

 What time does the Fair open?

• Gates are open to the public from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• A gate ticket, 4-H/FFA wristband, season pass or ID badge is required for admittance at all hours, including prior to the 11 a.m. opening.

How much is admission?

• Adult (16+): $6.00
• Student (6-15): $3.00
• Ages 5 and Under: Free
• Senior Citizen (55+): $4.00
• Military (with ID): Free
• Family Pass (2 adults, 3 students): $15
• Daily Gate ticketing information can also be found on our website.

Where can I park?

• Check out our map. Parking is available around the outside of the grounds and nearby offered by outside businesses for a cost. Please note, many of these organizations are not affiliated with the fair. Be sure to park only in designated areas. Please be considerate of our neighbors! 

What events will be going on?

•  The Fair is a grand tradition offering the best of an eleven county region in agriculture, education, history, and family entertainment while showcasing new technology and science.  This six day event features 4-H Exhibits and livestock, carnival rides, night shows, free daily entertainment, commercial displays, great food vendors, a Demolition Derby, Professional Bull Riding and the Missoula Stampede PRCA Rodeo.  Come and see Western Montana’s best floriculture event consisting of five distinctly different shows.  Fine Arts, Photography, Home Arts and Culinary displays can be found throughout the fairgrounds.

How many people go to the Fair?

• We typically host more than 60,000 participants.

Who will be performing at the Fair?

• Tyler Barham will be out Friday night Stampede Stage Entertainer. 

Where do I buy event tickets for night shows?

•  Night show event tickets purchased in advance include gate admission.
• Day-of-show purchasers must purchase a gate ticket and purchase their event ticket at the Fair Office after entering.  There will be a Will Call list at each gate; one person from the group may enter to obtain tickets that were purchased in advance from the Fairgrounds Office, then exit and distribute to rest of party.
• Youth – ages 5-15;   Lap children (4 and under) – Free;   Adult – ages 16+.
•  You can buy tickets online here.

When is the rodeo? Does it have an additional cost?

• Tuesday: Missoula Ranch Rodeo - Reserved seating for $10
• Wednesday: Bitterroot Motors Bullorama
• Thursday: Missoula Stampede Ram Rodeo
• Friday: Missoula Stampede Ram Rodeo
• Saturday: Missoula Stampede Ram Rodeo - Reserved seating and general admission Wednesday - Saturday
• $16 adult; $12 youth; $12 open bleacher

Is there an events schedule?

• Yes! You can find the schedule on our website.

 How much do event tickets cost?

• Tuesday Missoula Ranch Rodeo on  Aug. 11 at 7 p.m.
•  Reserved seating: $10
• Wednesday Bitterroot Motors Bullorama on Aug. 12 at 7 p.m.
• Reserved seating and general admission
• $16 adult; $12 youth; $12 open bleacher
•  Thursday Missoula Stampede Ram Rodeo on Aug. 13 at 7 p.m.
• Reserved seating and general admission
• $16 adult; $12 youth; $12 open bleacher
•  Friday Missoula Stampede Ram Rodeo on Aug. 14 at 7 p.m.
• Reserved seating and general admission
•  $16 adult; $12 youth; $12 open bleacher
•  Saturday Missoula Stampede Ram Rodeo on Aug. 15 at 7 p.m.
• Reserved seating and general admission
• $16 adult; $12 youth; $12 open bleacher
• Napa Demolition Derby on Sunday, Aug. 16 at 4:30 p.m.
• All reserved seating
•  $16 adult/youth

 Which days have free admission?

• Wednesday through Saturday from 11am – 1pm gate admission FREE
• Tuesday: Gates open at 5pm – Free Gate Admission. Bring a Canned food donation for the Missoula Food Bank and get Free Gate admission.
• Wednesday: “Seniors’ Day” – Seniors (55+) gate admission Free.
• Thursday: “KPAX Kids’ Day” – Ages 6-17 enter Free until 6 p.m.
• Sunday: “KECI Family Day” – Free gate admission for everyone

How much do carnival rides cost?

• One day and week-long passes are available for advanced sale until Tuesday, Aug. 11 at 3 p.m. at the Fairgrounds Office and Noon’s.
• One Day Pass: $20
• Unlimited rides for one day; you choose which day!
• All Week Pass: $80
•  Unlimited rides all week long!

What are the carnival hours of operation?

• Tuesday, August 11: closed
• Wednesday, August 12: 12pm – close
• Thursday, August 13: 12pm – close
• Friday, August 14: 12pm – close
• Saturday, August 15: 11am – close
• Sunday, August 16: 12pm – close

Who can I call if I have questions?

• Our Fair Office is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Call us at (406) 721-3247

How can I stay updated?

• Check out our Facebook page. Also follow Missoula County on Facebook and Twitter for news and information. Share your experiences with us using #MslaCoFair!