I am glad to hear that the “Ravalli County Fairgrounds” has plans to invest in infrastructure and improvements of the fairgrounds. The fairgrounds is in need of major repairs and remodeling, not to mention bringing the facility to code to meet the ADA requirements. The funding to make such repairs and improvements would be extremely difficult after the county cut the fairgrounds budget.
Historically, the “County Fair” is an event that is held every year in almost every county and in every state throughout this nation. Everyone loves to go to the “Fair.” Our fair is no different than other areas of this nation. The only difference is that our fairgrounds has been quite neglected in the last twenty years, compared to other fairgrounds in the state.
The “Fair” is an event that brings family, friends and community together. It is about creating good and wonderful memories and valuing the “fun” experiences that the fair has to offer such as carnival rides, 4-H, rodeos, community food vendors, and blue ribbon competitions (just to name a few), the theme of these memories goes on in our hearts forever passing it on to future generations. Sometimes we have to look at the value of what endears our hearts and not the value of the pocket book.
The Fairgrounds also offers meeting space for a variety of non-profit events and statewide conventions and is really the only large facility in Ravalli County that can hold such venues. Improvements to the Fairgrounds will help bring larger venues to the valley, thereby enhancing economic vitality to our precious valley and its businesses.
Marie Christopher
Hamilton