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Broadwater County Fair Board Update
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter

Broadwater County Fair Board Update

Rachael Brug

Staff Reporter

Broadwater County Fair Board members met April 9 to approve March minutes, review early planning for the 2026 fair, and begin assembling cost estimates for a larger 4-H building kitchen upgrade aimed at expanding rental and food-prep options.

Chair Tayla Clark, who also serves as open class supervisor, reported that open class planning is moving quickly, with all superintendent positions now filled. Clark said volunteers are working to update the fair book, with each superintendent coordinating edits with Fair Manager Jessica Erickson. The board set an April 27 deadline to deliver final changes to Erickson.

Clark also outlined a patriotic “day of contest” concept tied to the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, with the board considering handouts to distribute to local businesses while hanging fair posters. In a separate vote, the board approved changes to ribbon premium payouts: purple ribbons will pay $4, blue $3, red $2, and white $0. Members said the goal is to better reward top entries while setting clear expectations with judges to avoid over-awarding.

Entertainment planning under the tent is also underway. Erickson said the board has received interest from local musicians for short sets on Friday (3:30–5 p.m.) and Saturday (5:30–7 p.m.), though no performers were confirmed at the meeting. The board also discussed returning activities, including a magician, Mickey O’Connor, and a paint party led by Julie Ferris, with participants registering through Ferris directly. Clark said she is following up with Stoke Robotics and a pottery session to see if those demonstrations will return.

The board continued planning for fair games and discussed whether to add face painting, weighing a vendor option against a lower-cost do-it-yourself approach. Members also confirmed a mechanical bull vendor for the weekend, budgeting $800 for the first day and $500 for the second.

A major focus of the meeting was kitchen upgrades at the 4-H building following a walkthrough with Sanitarian Megan Bullock. Board members said the minimum requirements to permit the kitchen for commercial use include adding a dedicated handwashing sink and a mop sink, along with proper signage and plumbing configurations designed to prevent septic backups from contaminating sinks. Longer-term ideas included a dishwasher, an improved dish-drying setup, and a grease trap. Erickson said local plumber Danny Kurk, owner of Special K Plumbing and Heating, has begun reviewing the site and is expected to provide a starting quote.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for May 14 at 5:15 p.m.