The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners granted three fairgrounds-related approvals on Oct. 13 and heard three applicants for openings on the county Fair Board. Commissioners heard presentations from community members and approved fee waivers for two youth-focused events and added portable bleachers to the fairgrounds’ rental inventory.

Fee waivers approved:
- Northwest High School Rodeo Club: The board approved a full fee waiver for the club’s reserved riding practice dates in exchange for signed rental agreements, required insurance and a deposit. Reagan Leonard (president, Northwest High School Rodeo Club) said the group includes members from across the Western Slope and asked that the club be allowed Friday afternoon practice windows; the commission approved the waiver and asked for insurance and a deposit to be provided.
- Youth Entity (Fall Career Expo): Brett Moyer presented on behalf of Youth Entity and described a fall career expo that drew more than 600 students and 65 businesses. The board approved the organization’s request for a fee waiver and allowed the chair to sign the paperwork.

Bleachers rental: Coral Miller presented a proposal to add three sets of bleachers to the fairgrounds rental list at a rate of $50 per event. Miller said the bleachers are moved by forklift and could be deployed indoors or in the parking lot. The board approved adding bleachers to the rental equipment list at $50 per event.

Fair Board candidates: Three applicants introduced themselves for open Fair Board seats (one vacancy from a resignation and two reappointments). Applicants Scott Shilt, Kevin Costanza and Josie Meredith spoke about community service, 4‑H experience and ideas to increase fair participation and sponsorship. Commissioners said they will make selections at the Oct. 20 meeting; no appointments were made Oct. 13.

Votes and process: Each approval was moved, seconded and passed by voice vote; the rodeo waiver included explicit language requiring insurance and a refundable deposit, and commissioners asked that participants sign a contractual rental agreement and waivers.

Why it matters: The approvals free up fairgrounds capacity for youth and workforce programs, add a new rental revenue option for the fairgrounds, and keep selection of Fair Board members on a short timeline so the fairboard can plan for upcoming events.

Quotations from the record: “I move that we approve the free waiver and, for Northwest High School Rodeo team ... to waive all the fees,” a commissioner said while moving the rodeo request; Reagan Leonard said the club represents “Garfield County and also most of your Western Slope.” Coral Miller said bleachers have been “asked a lot” and adding them would “increase revenue” and benefit the community.

Next steps: The board will select Fair Board appointees on Oct. 20. Organizations that received waivers must provide required insurance, sign rental/waiver contracts, and pay requested deposits.