MISSOULA – Its that time of the year folks!
Fried food, entertainment, and carnival rides are just around the corner in Missoula with the Western Montana Fair starting up this week. The fair saw a 25% increase in attendance last year setting a new record — in part due to the switch to free admission.
The folks at the Missoula County Fairgrounds have been preparing for about three weeks and although they face some unique challenges, organizers think that this will be the best year yet.
Crews have been working to improve the infrastructure in and around the grounds for months — repairing water and sewer lines as well as getting ready to demolish old buildings and construct new ones.
Account Specialist Perry Harris said that this made some of the prep difficult but they were determined to have the place looking perfect for the community.
"We have a great team of about 20 people rallied together and just push through the whole set up and just get going," Harris said. "To see the smile on a little kid’s face when they have that corn dog in their hand and they’re ready to go ride some rides that’s what makes it all worth it."
This year they have a few new features such as a new handmade in Montana theme in the commercial building where over 70 local vendors will be set up.
The fair will run from August 7th to the August 12th and admission will be free again this year. You can find a full schedule of events on their website.
