Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ag Fair Funding Programming topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Park County allocates $3,500 to 2025 Ag Fair; MSU Extension to run 4‑H and FFA events
Summary
Park County Fairgrounds and Parks Board members learned April 16 that county commissioners approved a $3,500 contribution to the 2025 Ag Fair, a decrease from prior years, and that MSU Extension will handle the fair’s 4‑H and FFA programming.
Park County Fairgrounds and Parks Board members learned April 16 that county commissioners approved a $3,500 contribution to the 2025 Ag Fair, a decrease from prior years, and that MSU Extension will handle the fair’s 4‑H and FFA programming.
The board heard from Morgan, the fairgrounds director, that MSU Extension plans to run its usual 4‑H and FFA events and will place a tent over the show grass, but the fair will not include any open‑class public competitions this year. Morgan said MSU Extension “are still going to put on all of their 4‑H events” and that the county and partner groups might provide public programming during gaps in the Extension schedule.
Why it matters: the smaller county contribution and the decision by MSU Extension to limit open‑class events change how the fair will present to the broader public. Board members discussed options to preserve public-facing activities, including outreach to local groups to provide interactive programming.
Board discussion and next steps
Morgan outlined tasks the fairgrounds staff expects to continue supporting: supplying the sound system, coordinating arena and parking-lot watering, setting parking barricades, and helping with janitorial duties. Morgan said those duties will require collaboration so they are not placed solely on a single commissioner. Commissioner Brian Walsh was mentioned as having offered help but not as a sole solution.
Board members suggested outreach to potential partners including the Livingston Bike Club (which previously ran a children’s bike obstacle course), Farm to School programs, and other local organizations to provide family-oriented activities that do not conflict with 4‑H and FFA shows. Morgan said she plans to attend a May 6 farm engagement event hosted by MSU Extension in Gallatin County to gather ideas and may reach out to partner organizations and schools for internship or volunteer involvement.
Unresolved questions noted by the board include which costs the county should cover versus which will remain with MSU Extension or other partners. Morgan said she anticipates asking the commissioners whether the county will pay for items such as ADA-compliant porta‑potties or leave that expense to 4‑H and other organizers.
Clarifying details from the meeting
• County contribution for 2025 Ag Fair: $3,500, as reported by Morgan.
• MSU Extension responsibilities: all 4‑H and FFA events; tent over show grass; no open‑class public events planned.
• Possible public programming: outreach to Livingston Bike Club, Farm to School and other partners to provide activities in schedule openings.
• Timeline: Morgan expects more detail within about a month and will return to the board with updates.
What the board will do next
Board members agreed the fairgrounds staff should continue coordinating with MSU Extension and potential partner groups and will report back at a future meeting. Morgan said she will keep the board updated and will ask the commissioners for direction if specific funding decisions (for example, porta‑potties) are needed.
