[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6654997,"mediaKeyId","5423113-0520ebf006d6639e15cd8f0c2f38281b","parentId",5423113,"title","Townsend Fair board member Sheila to step down at year-end; board will advertise vacancy","audioSeconds",65,"startMs",104000,"endMs",169000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5423113-0520ebf006d6639e15cd8f0c2f38281b&start=104&end=169","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5423113-0520ebf006d6639e15cd8f0c2f38281b/thumbnail_104000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6654997/Broadwater-County/Montana/Townsend-Fair-board-member-Sheila-to-step-down-at-year-end-board-will-advertise-vacancy","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6654997-9b147791c7eb4e891198246a9e1431e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775723810&Signature=W23QfTnmkyLfh6nx5D7NkCbYcXUGiIaSu6orXfg5g1ZHyBA8CXip-xK3UZdhXT7O369NxwMo6HYCkq3R83qpW-wwR2XY1S5VjYPNIovnZUjpob8r6Lg~wcEMk9dPVVPfxZP~EkhmmVG1sTepM0~pRnwauJoOhQfIykSMdqwdC6ow04SQ6iugZepV-l6ot6UNX1q1hs6gVaoRcJpuV8vvzFAk5x-RWjQIDAVxnw8MTzN9Uhui3FYtYX5rnfupeDF8JFPksPGdfkeNB-FX3MF048yi0Wd8bKZMNUsXJxb-9O2IfEMMKc-Ycn15Q7R35RIsEwd2nUj2WfnTnVTrb~Ricg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Broadwater County, MT","date","2025-07-18T00:48:55.907Z","article","The Townsend Fair Board announced that board member Sheila submitted a resignation letter and will serve through Dec. 31, creating a vacancy the board plans to fill by public notice.

At the meeting, organizers asked members to “keep your eyes and ears out” and begin verbally advertising for a new board member to start after Sheila’s term ends. Board members thanked Sheila for her service and said she would remain involved in fair activities this season.

The board did not formally vote on replacement procedures during the meeting; members said they will publicize the vacancy and accept inquiries in the coming months.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fair Board meeting","oneSentenceSummary","During the meeting, board members announced a resignation letter from Sheila; she will complete her term through Dec. 31 and the board will advertise the open position.","taxTitle","Broadwater County, Montana","taxId",76384,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6655002,"4-H and open-class entries rise; board adds judges, finalizes schedules",958,214000,1172000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5423113-0520ebf006d6639e15cd8f0c2f38281b&start=214&end=1172","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5423113-0520ebf006d6639e15cd8f0c2f38281b/thumbnail_214000.jpg","/articles/6655002/Broadwater-County/Montana/4-H-and-open-class-entries-rise-board-adds-judges-finalizes-schedules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655002-155241479be9305333d1163fd0e333d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775723810&Signature=LcHx9u-AQhFrrYJTDGpMEFy5~pcWW4RBLsdX-~P9ZBV0I7d8YAf3gtr0R0g9jce7tU7q2Hyaz~0hX9VO3wm9-aMNXd49aQlY5UreftCQjQgmEoazYofMpEituAz-~0YE7TG9s4Cemx0vbh8LmGhrJN6LpDIx6OOtOA3aZS40VcR~2kbr1JbohLr7BFHzDpeXTI-RQGks9ntrmFfy31sn1iJgNM-qxio5MN8xyxCFrlgtwLZ7NOV0J3gPqA9hJutGncEuOQEOphs8GFmRudw8Nh9tO2u0wzKnl1k9GPs0bkY84X8QTe4EIXwBJXk8MMEVIEOOSrZ8y4Grmnzokif14A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Townsend Fair organizers said open-class entries have roughly doubled compared with last year and that 4-H participation is strong, prompting adjustments to judging and scheduling.

At the meeting, members said open-class check-in for the public is scheduled in the morning (discussed as 9 a.m. to about 12:30 p.m.), and that a separate schedule for 4-H families and a parking map have been circulated to 4-H participants. Organizers reported they will accept open-class drop-offs on Tuesday for entries that need judging by 4-H interviewers.

Karen, speaking for 4-H, said the program needs two additional indoor judges this year because of the increased number of entries; the board agreed adding judges would help keep the horse show and other events on time. Members said they prefer adding judges rather than extending event hours so that contestants can still compete in other scheduled shows, such as the horse show starting at 1 p.m.

Organizers also discussed camping and trailer storage: 4-H camping will be reserved inside the grounds, while some overflow camping will use adjacent Lyman Yard parking. The board advised families to avoid leaving 4-H trailers in rodeo parking after drop-off and to consider storing feed in the South Horse Barn when feasible.

The board said they will distribute maps in 4-H packets and try to manage pedestrian and vehicle flow between city property and the 4-H area. No formal motions were taken; the adjustments will be implemented by staff and volunteers in the days before and during the fair.

The meeting included planning for volunteer work nights and a paint party to prepare the handicapped grandstands and other structures before the fair.","Board members reported nearly double the usual number of open-class entries and added judges to keep events on schedule; 4‑H organizers shared parking maps and asked for volunteers to help with camping and trailer storage.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6655007,"Townsend Fair organizers report six food vendors, eight commercial vendors; remind vendors to file temporary food-license forms",271,425000,696000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5423113-0520ebf006d6639e15cd8f0c2f38281b&start=425&end=696","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5423113-0520ebf006d6639e15cd8f0c2f38281b/thumbnail_425000.jpg","/articles/6655007/Broadwater-County/Montana/Townsend-Fair-organizers-report-six-food-vendors-eight-commercial-vendors-remind-vendors-to-file-temporary-food-license-forms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655007-883824232866e404cf8b055a399ff1db/orig.mp4?Expires=1775723810&Signature=Potk7~wmEOmroV94D0SXtJhh6WY7sG2oInuKjx8c3vf3q6qRn9sz6mLTm1RsXtSDjDkiK2kfPuf~MK5L1JCKLR8uVr78A8-oLsjC5~uRGqMlG52hscGVbKUE87bhv314qhj0UjvZQjSlDFSdAE9sYoPSxpwR9bZ2i8tADkbLgQ8dX8ifzMzL~nmjmspQhQoE-KTAZMy8cTFfNvbFNECinWW6GP60iV5c2O0mJC0jSxKpp8YsJ4fVy7AMi5-Z6VEQw3-UE9oX9a5CNC7o9TGX5qyI7PLyLfPfHSQikJfrRtn5CYoJ0sIbAb8eYag67mdUHLQGi~mknqE9Jld1bCJ2Rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Townsend Fair Board members reviewed vendor counts, contracts and required health permitting during their regular meeting, reporting six confirmed food vendors, eight commercial vendors and at least one pending food vendor.

Sheila, who coordinated vendor updates at the meeting, said all current vendors have paid and contracts are in place. She also told the board that county sanitarians will require all food vendors to complete a temporary food license in addition to their regular permits.

The licensing requirement matters for public health and event compliance. Board members discussed how the county’s temporary-food licensing process will be communicated: Sheila said she plans to email all contracted vendors with instructions and to cc board members who requested notification.

Organizers also raised operational reminders tied to recent paving. Because some paved areas are sloped, vendors with campers and concession trailers were told to plan for leveling equipment and to confirm they can safely set up in the assigned spots. Denise suggested recruiting additional concessions if spots open due to scheduling conflicts around other local events.

Sheila reported six food vendors confirmed and eight commercial vendors paid with contracts; she estimated a possible seventh food vendor. The board also discussed handing out “country cash” sponsor vouchers at the rodeo and fair; the vouchers will be accepted at entry points and some vendor areas. Organizers said they will hand-deliver vouchers and thank-you letters to sponsors before the fair.

No new vendor contracts were approved by motion at the meeting. Board members asked Jesse and others to follow up with any vendors who still needed to submit temporary food-license forms.

The board will notify vendors by email early in the week before the fair with license instructions, site notes about the asphalt slope, and setup expectations.","Fair staff said contracts are in place for vendors and that sanitarians require temporary food-licensing paperwork; vendors were urged to bring blocks to level rigs after recent paving.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6655012,"Townsend Fair board says recent paving at fairgrounds will complicate vendor parking, urges precautions",882,643000,1525000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5423113-0520ebf006d6639e15cd8f0c2f38281b&start=643&end=1525","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5423113-0520ebf006d6639e15cd8f0c2f38281b/thumbnail_643000.jpg","/articles/6655012/Broadwater-County/Montana/Townsend-Fair-board-says-recent-paving-at-fairgrounds-will-complicate-vendor-parking-urges-precautions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6655012-5c35fb7374114ad7d8ee8ee2c074e029/orig.mp4?Expires=1775723810&Signature=NLHT9lS-oC0d-lBJ~wSEZHpS2rl-FIFjM4XyYgTDMA4K6xrQWgQ-vomJoTwXyuYZZmdXKsDYGrz7x41wBkcuQDuokJ09e5O1-XfXPBQxJHmCSDYEbrpWWlg3F3bS0AhUYZ4sbY4waSAgsAdr~-JR1jVyOTL~7BX2HDtKmPLxdKsNGgiksZv6fpGBzsmw3fBqo0SiRWgcELF0cCCSjEKV8elLmKMr4zHKCJGmmq-6dUGUTKbequfoYpO7QkURr1CJLG2OrDgnG-keo561Th0RsvN5Mohfq9aLgzUzXedCfqQPS0Ek2nQ2mVhlIqZS3GoYVIKb~TKzM5v~NSDvt~7rug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Townsend Fair Board members discussed new paving at the fairgrounds and its knock-on effects for vendor and contestant parking during the seasonal fair, saying the surface is steeper than expected and vendors should plan to level trailers.

The board raised the concern during its regular meeting while reviewing vendor logistics and rodeo preparations. Organizers said the asphalt work left a noticeably sloped surface near vendor areas and the main north approach, creating a hazard for campers and horse trailers.

The warning matters because many food and commercial vendors operate from trailers and campers that need level ground for safe setup and operation. Board members said they will notify contracted vendors that county sanitarians require a temporary food license and that vendors may need to bring leveling blocks to stabilize rigs.

Sheila, speaking for vendor coordination, reported the current vendor count and described the paving problem as a practical issue for this year’s operations. Denise, who addressed rodeo and spectator parking, said the airport runway is closed for reconstruction and that the board expects to allow additional spectator parking farther north in the main lot this year only, while the runway is unavailable for flights. Board members discussed asking the county to add gravel approaches at the far east end of the grounds to improve access for trailers and 4-H campers.

Meeting participants described on-site measures they are planning: roping off stretches adjacent to the east fence to keep cars from parking in unsafe gaps, using posts and guide lines inside the fairgrounds to channel traffic, and emailing vendors about the slope and temporary food-license requirement. Denise and others said they would encourage vendors to bring blocks to compensate for the slope and that they will tell contracted vendors about the paving in advance.

Board members also noted that the paving work had been done with limited prior notice to the fair organizers; Jessica (a liaison mentioned during the discussion) and others said they would follow up with public works and the county to improve notification in the future. The board also discussed longer-term constraints: while the airport runway closure allows expanded spectator parking this year, organizers said that option may not be available in future years when the runway reopens.

The board did not take a formal vote on mitigation steps during the meeting; members said they will send emails to vendors early next week with guidance and will ask the county about adding gravel to key approaches.

The meeting opened with routine business and ended with an adjournment at 5:54 p.m.","Fair organizers told the Townsend Fair Board that recent asphalt work at the fairgrounds created slopes and uneven areas that could cause problems for vendor rigs and horse trailers; board members plan outreach to vendors and asked the county for gravel approaches.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Townsend Fair board member Sheila to step down at year-end; board will advertise vacancy

4-H and open-class entries rise; board adds judges, finalizes schedules

Townsend Fair organizers report six food vendors, eight commercial vendors; remind vendors to file temporary food-license forms

Townsend Fair board says recent paving at fairgrounds will complicate vendor parking, urges precautions