Western Montana Fair Will Start On-Time Despite Storm Damage

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - The Western Montana Fairgrounds did have some mild damage due to last week’s severe thunderstorm, but according to Events and Operations Manager Billie Brown, the show will go on as scheduled from August 6 through 11.

Brown described the storm damage at the fairgrounds.

The Fairgrounds Did Suffer Some Wind Damage Last Week

“We fared at the fairgrounds a lot better than most folks in Missoula,” began Brown. “We did lose the Grand Arch that is the entry point from South Avenue, and all the signs that we had hung in preparation for the fair were damaged, in addition to some new shade cloth that is used at the livestock pavilion, and then some signs we put up to provide shade for the carnival workers on South Avenue. The repair for the arch is too significant, so it just won't be here for this fair and we'll have to do that in the off-season, but everything else is good to go. We've got replacements on their way, and some pieces are already re-hung.”

Brown was excited to share the opening of the fair's new arena.

The New Clouse Bauer Arena will be Dedicated on Opening day

“On Tuesday, we'll be opening with the dedication of the new Clouse Bauer Arena, and then we'll be rolling right into the Extreme Bulls performance, which is kicking off the first of five nights of rodeo this year. And then on Sunday, we offer Lords of Dirt racing.”

Brown then listed the entertainment at this year’s fair.

“After each of our evening arena events, we offer free live music,” she said. “On the stage Tuesday after the rodeo will be Shane Clouse and the Stomping Ground. On Wednesday, we'll have the Timber Rattlers. On Thursday, it will be Flash Panda. Friday, the Dead and Down, and Saturday will be Les Pumps.”

Brown had an important cautionary note about purchasing tickets to the special events Western Montana Fair.

Be Sure to Purchase Tickets Through the Fair's Website

“Tickets are online now, and they are going fast, and we want to inform folks that they need to buy those from westernmontanafair.com,” she said. “Don't ‘Google’ and look for your tickets. We have received numerous calls here at the office already where they are being charged way too much money, and then they have to find out later that those tickets weren't legitimate, so be very cautious. Make sure you always are buying from your venue and not just Googling and clicking the link, because a lot of people are faking tickets.”

When the sun beats down at the fair, Brown said the new arena has lots of built-in shade.

“The shade that we're going to have this year because of the new Clouse Bauer Arena is phenomenal. You're going to have all kinds of ‘tuck away’ points where you can just cool out and eat your lunch and dinner. Have breakfast here, too! It's going to be a reason to come more than once a day.”

Admission to the Western Montana Fair is free, and there is parking nearby offered by community non-profits.