by Jeff Burrows, Ravalli County Commissioner
I would like to respond to the September 16th article on the post-fair meeting. First off, I would like to thank all the public and volunteers that took time out of their busy schedule to attend the meeting. The article characterized the meeting as a dramatic back and forth fight between 4-H and the fairgrounds, this was not the case. Much of the meeting did not revolve around the petition for the fair manager to step down, most of the comments were suggestions on how to make the fair better. The main issues we heard revolved around the ticketing system for gate entry, Wi-Fi technology and the physical gate infrastructure being inundated with the increase in fair attendees. While there were folks that expressed frustrations with their treatment by fair management, there were a number that expressed positive experiences. There were a couple of emotional exchanges, but all of the comments and discussion were productive and will ultimately lead to a better fair.
I would like to address the overall tone of the article on the relationship between the Ravalli County and 4-H. 4-H is vital to the success of the Ravalli County Fair. Volunteers and staff experienced a number of elevated conflicts this year, but these were not solely 4-H. Ravalli County appreciates the values taught to our youth through the 4-H program and does not feel that our 4-H superintendents, volunteers and participants are entitled or are problems. We do have a couple of issues that we will sit down with our 4-H partners and come up with solutions. Thank you 4-H parents, staff, volunteers and participants.
It is easy to focus on the few issues we had this year at fair, but overall our fair was amazing. We had record attendance, packed animal barns, standing room only rodeo and great food. If you have complaints, comments or suggestions, we ask you bring them to the fair board and work with us to make the 2026 Ravalli County Fair better.
Lastly, I would like to take an opportunity to thank all the people that donate countless hours to our fair to make it a success. Without our volunteers, there would not be a fair. The Ravalli County Fair Board is a thankless position that requires fair planning the entire year and a significant time commitment during the fair… thank you. Thanks to our rodeo committee that put on an amazing, standing room only rodeo. Thanks to Bitterroot Back Country Horsemen, these folks run the entrance gates and processed a record attendance. Thanks to the vendors that bring amazing food, products and entertainment. Thanks to the staff that make the fair run behind the scenes resolving issues, taking out trash, painting, cleaning, mowing… the list goes on and on. To all the fair superintendents, judges and volunteers, we could not do it without you and we do not say it enough…THANK YOU!