Fair traditions and transitions

It’s been a year of transition at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

There was much public opposition when longtime Fair Manager Jay Scott’s contract wasn’t renewed in February. Many of his supporters implored the Fair Board to reconsider its decision. Scott, in turn, is suing the county for wrongful discharge and public embarrassment. That case has yet to play out in District Court.

After Scott’s ouster, Fair Board member Ted Dykstra Jr. took a leave of absence from the board to serve as interim fair manager. The county is on the cusp of hiring a new manager, but Dykstra will be at the helm during this year’s Northwest Montana Fair that officially kicks off Wednesday.

The Fair Board has been in flux, too, with two members quitting and three new people appointed to fill those seats and another vacancy.

All of this turmoil no doubt has prompted many to wonder how this year’s fair will fare.

Change is never easy, especially when it affects something as time-honored as the county fair. We believe, though, that despite the transitions the Northwest Montana Fair will proceed as it has for 108 years. Our county fair continues to be a place where folks can gather for friendly competition and a chance to see their neighbors and catch up on old times.

The history books reveal that change actually has been a constant in the fair’s history. Before the current fairgrounds were built, the first fairs were held across from the Great Northern Roundhouse, and it was in mid-October, not August. At the turn of the 20th century, there were competitions for the best displays of wagons and buggies and the best set of double harnesses. Baseball was a part of the fair in 1902.

Today, we can look forward to a wide variety of spirited activities such as pig wrestling, mutton bustin’ and the ever popular fair parade. And horse racing, an activity that was part of the first-ever Flathead County fair, is back on the agenda this year after a four-year hiatus, thanks to the All Breed Turf Club and Blackfeet Tribe.

For more than a century the county fair has been a work in progress, shaped by an undying community spirit. That’s something to celebrate.

PLEASE JOIN our employees as we mark Fair Week by wearing blue jeans and Western clothing in the office to help remember our rich heritage and to promote a grand tradition.

It’s something we think could encourage community spirit, so we hope other employers will also let the good times roll this week with casual clothes and a “Howdy neighbor” attitude.

Here at the Inter Lake, we will be wearing our fair gear from Wednesday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After that we will be heading over to the fairgrounds to enjoy the food, festivities, and fun.

See you there.