July Fair Board
Author: Rachael Brug, Staff Reporter
Article Published: 07/24/2026 Volume: 5 Edition: 03Rachael Brug
Staff Reporter
Broadwater County Fair Board got some exciting news at its July meeting: the rodeo will feature a jumbotron with live instant replay for the first time ever, while pre-registration entries for the fair have climbed more than 35 percent over last year.
Denise Thompson, the board's Rodeo Board Liaison, announced that a large video screen will be positioned at the southeast end of the arena for Friday and Saturday of rodeo weekend. A team of three to six videographers and photographers — along with a drone operator — will capture live footage for instant replay. Thompson said enough sponsors had been secured to cover the cost this year, with plans to pursue a corporate sponsor earlier next season.
Fair Manager Jessica Erickson reported that pre-registration entries have jumped from 524 in 2025 to 707 this year, driven in part by increases in horticulture, photography, and fine arts. With art entries up significantly, Erickson noted the board will face a challenge finding enough wall space to display an estimated 300 pieces. Of the 474 animal and display entries, 63 are educational displays.
The board is still seeking a second culinary arts judge to help evaluate 83 entries. Val Hornsveld, Vendor Supervisor, volunteered to serve as one judge. The board is also looking for a face painter willing to provide free face painting for fairgoers; anyone with ideas or interest is encouraged to contact the extension office.
On the vendor side, Hornsveld reported food vendor spaces are nearly full, with commercial booths filling steadily ahead of fair week. The Rodeo Board, meanwhile, has been replacing all sponsor signage in the arena — approximately 80 signs — aiming for a cleaner, more professional look, while also making pipe improvements before rodeo weekend.
The entertainment schedule is finalized; a paint party was dropped after registration fell short of the minimum. The fair also debuted new 4-H display bleachers this season, replacing a set of broken risers.
Chair Tayla Clark announced that the tent setup is scheduled for Monday, August 3, beginning at 7:30 a.m., with volunteers needed for the project. The board's next regular meeting is August 13 at 5:15 p.m. A joint meeting with the Rodeo Board is planned for September.
