Fair manager outlines improvement plan, grant pursuit and potential July 4 fundraiser for Carbon County fairgrounds

At the Feb. 10 meeting, Fair Manager Sterling Murphy presented the fairgrounds’ quarterly update covering November 2025 through January 2026 and laid out a prioritized list of improvements and funding steps.

Murphy said the fair board met with the Home of Champions Rodeo Association about renting the grounds and has applied for a Montana Tourism Grant to fund capital improvements. The board voted to pursue specific upgrades including installing a rain gutter on the west side of the show barn, upgrading show-barn internet, installing lights over the pig wash rack and horse stalls, and soliciting quotes for a new roof and a deep clean of the Edgar Gruel building. Murphy provided budgetary estimates in the update (examples: lights for pig wash rack $325, internet upgrade in show barn $185, deep clean of Edgar Gruel building estimated at $5,200; roof repair estimate $28,500; larger wish-list items estimate $29,025).

Murphy proposed organizing a band/dance event for the July 4 weekend that could include VIP parking and camping options as a potential fundraiser. He also noted the fairgrounds will host a pesticide drop-off on the weekend of Sept. 25 and said the board will pursue sponsorships; legal review from the county attorney is pending for the Edgar Gruel roof repair and for a new rental agreement.

The fair board’s next quarter goals are to set fundraising event dates, continue refining budget estimates for prioritized projects, and solicit sponsors. Murphy said he will reach out to other managers about sponsorship opportunities and organizers for prospective fundraising events.