by Fran Milano, Hamilton
RE: Changing entry rules/deadlines at the Ravalli County Fair
I’m not sure who’s lamebrained idea it was to extend the entry deadlines at the Ravalli County Fair from August 8, 2025 to August 24, 2025, but since it was approved by you three, I will address you all.
There are reasons for the traditional entry timeline, reasons that have served us well for many years. You have apparently decided you know how to run the Fair better and extended the entry deadline. Why? Did your child or grandchild miss the deadline? Did you? What possible reason could there be?
I have volunteered at the Fair for many years now. I was there today, checking in quilts and helping organize entries for the judging that will take place tomorrow. At approximately 3 pm this afternoon, we were informed by the Fair staff that judging will begin at noon Monday, rather than the usual 9 am time slot. This is to allow the office time to input the many late entries, print entry tags for items and prepare the books for judging. Where are you, County Commissioners? After all, this was your idea. Are you in the office doing data entry on the one computer that is used for this task? Are you making copies and collating books until midnight? I think not.
In 2024, we had approximately 160 items in our division. It took us from 9 am to 5 pm to complete the judging. This year, we have more than 250 entries… or, that’s how many we know about. Nearly 100 more items to be judged, not counting any late entries. We simply cannot begin the judging at noon and expect to finish at a reasonable hour. Our judges are coming from Idaho; did you plan to put them up overnight when they’re finished?
Your actions are disrespectful to the many volunteers who work tirelessly to make our Fair a success. You show no respect for the employees of the Fair, who now have this herculean task to accomplish on top of their planned duties. You owe us all an explanation. Better yet, you owe us an apology. We’ll tough it out this year. I implore you to reverse your decision for the years to come.
Linda Schmitt says
That is the the most mean-spirited response I have ever seen.
Tracy says
Have you read your own letters?
Will says
I can’t speak for the commissioners, but I’d imagine the changes come from complaints or suggestions made from contestants that may have missed the deadline, or hoping to increase turnout and participation without understanding the elaborate underpinning of all the work that volunteers like yourself put in. Just spitballing here, but it was probably a lack of communication that lead to this snafu. Thanks for all you do.
Tracy says
Dont Volunteer. Problem Sol Ved.
Peg Andersen says
Well, that is certainly helpful