Missoula County Fairgrounds plans sustainable initiatives and enhanced engagement for upcoming fair

The recent meeting held by the City of Missoula focused on the upcoming Western Montana Fair, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. The fair, set to take place in less than a month, aims to be a leader in zero waste events, showcasing efforts to divert waste and promote environmentally friendly practices.

Billy, the events and operations manager for the Missoula County Fairgrounds, shared insights into the fair's sustainability initiatives. He highlighted the fairgrounds' significant growth, noting that they have welcomed over 1.6 million visitors since January 2021. The fair itself is expected to attract around 110,000 attendees, with free admission to ensure accessibility for all.

The meeting also discussed the fair's new features, including three free entertainment zones and a focus on agricultural education, particularly through horse demonstrations. These additions aim to enhance visitor experience while promoting local culture and heritage. The fair will also continue its tradition of integrating community issues into its programming, raising awareness for causes such as childhood cancer and missing and murdered Indigenous women.

Looking ahead, the fair organizers are considering expanding the event to ten days, a move that could increase revenue but also requires careful consideration of staffing and volunteer support. The fair's commitment to sustainability and community involvement positions it as a model for other events, with plans to share successful practices with similar organizations across the country.