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County cuts Ag Fair support; MSU Extension to run 4‑H and FFA events, staff exploring public programming
Summary
Park County commissioners reduced funding for the 2025 Ag Fair; MSU Extension will run 4‑H and FFA shows. Fairgrounds staff said the county may be asked to cover specific costs such as ADA porta‑potties and is exploring supplemental public programming in open time slots.
April 16, 2025 — Park County officials told the Park County Fairgrounds and Parks Board on Wednesday that the county commissioners voted to allocate $3,500 to the 2025 Ag Fair, a reduction from prior contributions.
The difference means MSU Extension will run the fair’s 4‑H and FFA programming and the show tent, while the fair will not include the open‑class public events normally available to non‑4‑H exhibitors, park staff said. Board members and staff discussed possible ways to add public‑facing activities in remaining time slots without disrupting livestock shows.
Morgan (director) told the board: "All of you received an email within the last couple of weeks after the county commissioners voted to allocate $3,500 to the county ag fair, which was a decrease from what was previously contributed." She said MSU Extension will put on its usual 4‑H events and the show tent but will not run open‑class public events; staff may offer or coordinate additional programming when schedules permit.
Board members discussed specific outreach ideas the director proposed, including contacting the Livingston Bike Club to run a children’s bike obstacle course, and inviting Farm to School or other partners to host activities during gaps in the 4‑H schedule. Staff said any added programming would have to be scheduled to avoid conflicts with livestock shows.
The director also said fairgrounds staff will continue to support the fair by providing the sound system, watering the arena and parking areas, setting parking barricades, and helping janitorial duties, though she noted commissioners and volunteers would assist.
Staff flagged several unresolved logistics that may require additional county or partner funding, including whether the county should pay for ADA‑accessible portable toilets for the event or whether 4‑H will cover those costs. Morgan said she expects to have more details within a month and will ask the county commissioners how they want to handle outstanding items.
The board noted its Ag Fair liaison was not present at the meeting; the absence means the board will rely on follow‑up reports from staff and MSU Extension as plans solidify.
The board did not take a formal vote on additional Ag Fair funding at the April 16 meeting; staff said any request to the commissioners would come after they confirm what MSU Extension is fundraising for and what gaps remain.
