Grandstand improvements planned

New doors and a ramp soon will be installed at the entrances to the grandstands at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

Fairgrounds Manager Mark Campbell said he expects to spend about $7,000 on the project, using money in the fairground’s capital budget.

The doors in use today don’t have panic push-bars to allow for exit during an emergency and there’s no ramp providing handicap accessibility at the south entrance, Campbell said.

The plan is to get the work done soon, well in advance of this summer’s fair.

Fairgrounds employees already are busy planning for the Aug. 10-19 Northwest Montana Fair, Campbell said. Online ticket sales for grandstand events go on sale May 3.

The lineup again will feature concerts on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, rodeos on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and a demolition derby on Sunday night.

Campbell is finalizing details with musical performers and hasn’t released this year’s concert lineup yet.

He told county commissioners about one booth expected at this summer’s fair that he thinks will draw a crowd.

The military booth is to include a parachute simulator that people will get to try out.

Campbell’s staff also is preparing to park the 1,300 vehicles they expect to stream into the fairgrounds on March 7 for the Tim Tebow event hosted by Stillwater Christian School.

Campbell said he’s “a little worried about” parking that many cars in about two hours, but is confident it will work out.

Tebow, a Heisman Trophy winner and standout college football player, is the quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

Reporter Shelley Ridenour may be reached at 758-4439 or sridenour@dailyinterlake.com.