EDITORIAL: Big plans for Big Brothers, Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flathead County is looking for a few good men and women — 50, to be exact.

In an ambitious expansion, the organization plans to double the number of volunteer mentors who work with youths.

The 50 mentors for 50 youths campaign is possible because community donations have allowed Big Brothers to expand its program staff that oversees mentors.

Mentors are particularly needed for Lunch Pail Pals, a school-based program, but they also are needed for the community-based program. Lunch Pail Pals requires a commitment of one hour a week; volunteers in the community program put in eight hours per month.

Ask any mentor — or the youth with whom he or she was matched up — and you will hear plenty of positive feedback about how valuable the time spent together is for both of them.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a great community program and its expansion is both welcome and needed.

Call 752-0092 to sign up or visit www.bbbsfc.org for more information.

A nearly perfect fair

The Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo is in the books for another year, and we were happy to report it was one of the fair’s best years ever. Near perfect summer weather, a sold-out Trace Adkins concert and strong attendance were the driving forces behind a 12.6 percent increase in entrance gate revenue.

The decision to ditch the Tuesday night concert and focus on attracting a big-name performer for the Wednesday night show was absolutely the right move. Attendance had dwindled in recent years with lesser known entertainers, and although scheduling Christian bands was a laudable effort, they just never attracted the crowds needed to make them financially viable. We’ll look forward to another higher profile concert next year.

Flathead County has invested heavily in improving the fairgrounds over the past couple of years. A $1.5 million makeover put a new roof on the aging grandstand and improved seating and lighting. A stormwater drainage system was installed along with new paved roads in front and back of the food court. Other improvements brought the county into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

The upgrades have made going to the fair a much more pleasant experience. And let’s not forget that the fairgrounds’ Expo Building and Trade Center are heavily used year-round for myriad events. Improving the fairgrounds was money well spent.