by Melissa Saville, Fair Manager, Ravalli County Fairgrounds
The Ravalli County Fairgrounds Staff would like to thank everyone who came to the 2023 Fair. Our attendance was up from last year’s Fair, which itself is a record. Admission to the Fair is what pays the cost for all the ribbons, premiums, rodeos and all the other entertainment and general costs of putting on the County Fair.
The number of exhibitors was also up from last year, as were the exhibits themselves. Exhibits make a “County Fair” completely different from any other event that you might attend. If you did not enter an item into the Fair this year, you might consider it in the future as competing with your neighbors and friends is exciting and great fun for the whole family.
It was a tremendous feat, being able to bring the community together to showcase our “Fall Into Fair” from displaying prized flowers, preserved foods, livestock projects, handwork and more. It’s a time for youth to re-unite with friends over Bingo cards as they begin another school year; time for 4H and FFA kids to shed a tear as they bid farewell to animals; a time to come together and celebrate our entire community.
With having high expectations, I am extremely proud of our staff and volunteers for ensuring each of the thousands of details were attended to, making this the most successful Fair in the history of Ravalli County!
We are humbled by the generosity of our sponsors who make all things possible, for the charitable organizations and local businesses who staff the food booths; for barn, building and department staff, the premium office ladies, Bitterroot Back Country Horse, the rodeo committee, the Fair Commission, Ravalli County Sheriff Department, Hamilton City Police, Ambulance Service, Ravalli County 4H, Ravalli County Commissioners and to the many volunteers without whom the show would not go on. We are also thankful for everyone who attends and helps to make Fair the best time of the year; as well as the vendors who put in long hours to staff their booths and the guests who support them.
Thank you for joining us for our “Fall Into Fair” and we look forward to 2024 and our “Hometown Harvest”!
Helen Sabin says
You did a fabulous job! The fair was great this year! Thank you and all involved for their hard work.