KALISPELL – The Northwest Montana Fair and Rodeo kicks off this week and while all your favorites like Huckleberry shakes, shrine burgers and funnel cakes will be there, visitors will also see some new upgrades this year.
The south entrance of the grandstand area is where you will see a major update as the stairwell is now ADA compliant and wheelchair friendly. The former facilities were especially limiting to disabled children who participate in 4-H activities year-round in the buildings.
The old 57-year-old bathrooms have also been updated. Construction on the projects began late last year and the upgrades were officially unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony in May.
Fair Manager Mark Campbell says it’s part of the mission of the fair which is to provide a safe, secure and current set of facilities for the community to come and gather learn to do commerce and socialize in.
Campbell says the upgrades are thanks to local partners support in moving the more than million dollar project forward.
"With the partnerships, we have pulled in through this with 4-H and Round-up for Safety Program and the state’s Block Development Program it made it so much easier and it was a pleasure to get this accomplished," Campbell explained.
The Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo runs from August 15th through August 19th in Kalispell. Last year nearly 80,000 people attended the annual event.
Click here to check out what’s on tap at this year’s fair.
