Wrangle up some seats – County fairgrounds grandstands expected to open after repairs

Fairgoers should be able to grab a seat at the rodeo or concerts during the Northwest Montana Fair in August after an analysis showed the grandstands needing immediate repairs are safe.  

The fairgrounds closed the covered grandstands in May due to safety concerns. Martin/Martin Consulting earlier this month conducted a visual structural assessment of the 16,000-square-foot grandstands and supporting framework, finding the need to make specific repairs to the grandstands before they can open for seating.  

Flathead County has hired Martel Construction to complete two immediate repair items: reinforcing and repairing loose or split bridging on the roof canopy and reinforcement and bracing of the north end wall, which is leaning. The work has an expected completion date in July. The estimated cost of the two repairs is $15,485.