Plans in the works for new pig barn at fairgrounds

Members of the Big Horn County Fair Board met with the county commissioners March 4 to discuss a new pig barn. After some discussion, the county is moving forward with construction.

The pig barn has been a topic of discussion for decades. Past fair boards have agreed that the pig barn is inadequate and unsafe.

The barn will be 60 feet x 120 feet. It will be built where the current pig barn is located. The estimated cost is $250,000. County Maintenance Supervisor Jeremy Pouska said construction would start this summer/spring with a target of completion before fair. He is getting input on the barn from the fair’s pig superintendent.

The current fair board has held events to raise money including “Squeal Your Thirst” the last two years. Another “Squeal Your Thirst” fundraiser is planned for April 26. Money raised will go toward panels for the new barn. The fair manager is seeking bids.

FAIR BOARD MEETING

On March 3, the fair board held its monthly meeting at the fairgrounds. In attendance were board members Tracy Haley, Luke Foss, Tucker McKim and Austin Layne, along with Fair Manager Catherine Foss, Commissioner Deb Craft and UW Educator Gretty Gasvoda. 

The return of the quilt show was discussed. Because of 4-H judging in the building, the show would have to set up Wednesday evening. Foss said she would ask the guild if that would work.

OTHER BUSINESS

• The theme of the 2025 fair is “Echoes of the Past - County Fair Revival.” The fair board is hosting a fair book cover contest again this year. It is open to students, both home-schooled and public, in Big Horn County. Artwork is due April 30. It should include the fair theme, date (July 28-August 3) and fit an 8.5 x 11 portrait. 

• The financial report was given. The fair manager reported that income from ads/sponsorships/memberships was up from last year.

• Fair sponsorship trades were reviewed.

• Fair memorabilia will be sold in a stand below the grandstands during the fair. 

• Vendors may have to choose if they want to be in the midway or behind the grandstands. There would be no back and forth between locations. The item was tabled until the next board meeting 

• The mechanical bull/trailer is for sale. With the cost of insurance, it is not profitable.

• Big Horn County Farm Bureau Federation goat roping will be a grandstand event on Tuesday of fair week.

• There was a discussion about needing better lighting in the outdoor arena, also where to place the lamp posts that the fair acquired last year. Suggestions included the midway and the parking lot. There were concerns and/or questions about the posts being hit in the parking lot, the cost of installing barriers to protect them and the cost of running the electricity to the individual lights.

• The queen royalty contest is April 26. Applications are due April 18.

• Fair Book dedications were discussed.

• A new free stage is desired. The fair is hoping sponsors can be found to build a new one.