Discount fair tickets on sale at credit union offices
Although the Northwest Montana Fair is raising the gate admission ticket price this year, those attending the fair next week can get discounted general admission tickets at any branch of the Whitefish Credit Union.
Admission for adults at the fairground gate will cost $7 this year, a $2 increase from last year. Whitefish Credit Union, a major sponsor of the fair, is offering the tickets for $4 each, a 40 percent savings.
The discounted gate admission tickets will be for sale at Whitefish Credit Union offices throughout the fair.
Whitefish Credit Union last year signed a sponsorship agreement with the Flathead County Fairgrounds that will invest $75,000 in the fairgrounds over three years. For its investment, Whitefish Credit Union is offered sign space at the fairground’s three key facilities: Expo Center, Trade Center and the grandstand, along with space to display banners and other signs during the fair.
The increase in fair admission prices was announced last month.
Fairgrounds Manager Mark Campbell said increased utility costs across the board — electricity, water, sewer and natural gas — plus an increase in the minimum wage paid to temporary fair workers were the driving factors for raising gate admission.
At the gate, seniors 65 and older, along with children ages 6 to 12, will pay $4 each for admission this year. They have been admitted for free the past six years. Children 5 and under will continue to be admitted free.
Children and seniors will be admitted free on Thursday, Aug. 20. Seniors also will get a deal on rodeo tickets on Aug. 20; general admission tickets to the rodeo can be purchased for $10 at the Senior Citizens Rest Area west of the grandstand at the fairgrounds.
Whitefish Credit Union also is an official presale ticket destination for the fair carnival. The advance carnival tickets cost $25 each, a savings of $10, and are good for unlimited rides for one person for one day.
Discounted tickets for the carnival also are on sale at CHS Convenience Store, 120 W. Idaho St. in Kalispell, and the fairgrounds office.