Fair event tickets will be available for purchase in person and online

Pre-event ticket sales were only available online for the Big Horn County Fair last year. At the April 1 fair board meeting the board and fair manager Cash Duncan discussed changing the ticketing process to accommodate more people.

Last year, those purchasing tickets before the event were given a discount in contrast to those who paid at the event. This was not a popular approach with many people who wanted to purchase their tickets early for the discount but didn’t have the means to do so online.

Duncan explained that the online company was taking a percentage of the ticket sales. He wasn’t sure this was in the fair’s best interest, as it takes from the income generated by ticket sales. The board agreed.

A small discount will be offered to those who purchase their tickets early. Details will be worked out at the next board meeting, including the possibility of an all-pass ticket/wristband.

Personnel

Duncan would like to hire three full-time employees starting in May. He noted there is $7,500 left in this year’s budget for fair employees. He envisions two full-time seasonal staff in the office and one for the grounds. Duncan said he is concerned $7,500 is not enough for the current budget. A new budget starts in July. Job applications will be posted on the fair’s website.

He added that the county would be hiring one summertime helper to assist at the fairgrounds. Duncan would like to hire four additional staffers for July and August.

Horse barns

Duncan reported that all the horse barns had sold. Three still need to be picked up. He proposed to the commissioners that the money raised in the sale be used to upgrade the rough stock pens at the rodeo grounds.

Luke Foss asked what the barns sold for. Duncan replied $600 apiece, but three individuals that had done volunteer work at the fair were able to purchase two barns at $200 apiece. Foss asked if the people that paid full price were aware that some barns were sold at a discount. Duncan said they were aware.

Other business:

• Tickets for the “Squeal Your Thirst” pig barn fundraiser are available. The event is April 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. in Greybull.

• The second reading of the by-law changes was approved. The changes officially move the board meeting date to the first Monday of the month at 6 p.m. In addition, the treasurer will act as the chair of the board in the absence of the chair. This is a change from the secretary serving as the acting chair.

• Bids for a company/organization will be requested for the beer garden to operate during fair week.

• Bids for the fair books will be advertised.

• The Queen contest has not been scheduled. Duncan is seeking volunteers to help and hopes to have the contest in April.

• The fair cover contest information has been sent to all the schools in the county.

• A bid was submitted by Duncan for the streetlights that are being replaced in Greybull. The lights would be placed in the fair midway.

• The board approved First Baptist Church of Basin to hold an open hour Sunday Service at the fair.

• The board voted to host a dance after the Ranch Rodeo. Bands interested in playing can contact Duncan at the fair office.

• A car smash event will be held at this year’s fair on Sunday.