Fair Board Minutes – April 21st 2025
Monday, April 21, 2025
PRESENT: Matt Plaisted, Chairman, Derrick DeHaan, Leighton Bilbrey, Wendy Wagner, Jennefer Wheeler
Fairgrounds Manager
ABSENT: Justin Koenigsfeld
GUESTS: Julie Straub, Kimberly Jensen, David Kirschten, Kodie Olsen
6:34PM CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Matt Plaisted called the meeting to order.
6:34PM APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Wendy Wagner motioned to approve April 21, 2025, Fair Board Agenda. Leighton Bilbrey seconded the motion. The motion carried. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent.
6:34 PM APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Derrick DeHaan motioned to approve March 17, 2025, minutes. Leighton Bilbrey seconded the motion. The motion carried. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent.
6:34 PM MANAGERS REPORT
Jennefer gave them a list of the events present and past that have happened at the Fairgrounds since the previous meeting. Commissioner Rost asked we look into padded chairs for Hall for budget time. There was no discussion on this. EPEDC helped Jennefer with the Grid United Grant and will be ready to send off tomorrow. EPEDC asked we look into other projects we are thinking of that they can help us apply to Grants for. Seasonals that accepted the positions are Whitney Thielen for Office Assistant, Ayden Renner, Ryann Gorder and Cord Olsen. I’ve booked all the AirBnB’s in town, and we have got a few rooms as the Sagebrush. Wendy stated to keep asking Pam. Kimberly Jensen is here to help the Board understand the budget.
6:37PM Kimberly works with the Board on how to read the budget and what the rules are for amounts for $2,000.
7:06PM Kimberly Jensen leaves the meeting.
7:08 PM EXTENSION REPORT
David Kirschten Extension Agent discussed the Fair Barn expansion. He wanted to make sure we were all on the same page and they came up with some plans. They came up with a couple of plans. He sent out some measurements to the groups. Wendy Wagner suggests bringing what you are wanting to budget for next year. What do we do with the pigs. There aren’t many options. Plan would be by May meeting to have the ideas to present. Otherwise, they have all the judges confirmed. The Ambassadors want to do the Show Em Jackpot again the 1st week of August. Kodie asked if the sand can be removed by the 28th. Kodie wanted to also say Happy National Volunteer Week.
Kodie and Dave leave the meeting at 7:20pm
7:20 PM PUBLIC COMMENT
No one appeared for Public Comment.
7:21 PM OLD BUSINESS
LOL Entertainment-They have shelved the Zombie Rampage part of their show. Wendy asked what that means.
At this time, they are not doing that part of their show. They did give us pricing for the other 2 shows we inquired about. Wendy feels we should table this until September 2025.
Wendy Wagner motioned to table the LOL Entertainment until September. Leighton Bilbrey seconded the motion. The motion carried. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent.
KGHL Ad decision-Derrick DeHaan asked if we have used this in the past. Jennefer said yes, it’s been an advertising agency since before her. The price is the same as the last year.
Derrick DeHaan motioned to approve advertising with KGHL for $840.00 for the month of
August. Leighton Bilbrey seconded the motion. The motion carried. The motion carried. 3 Ayes. 0
Nays. 1 Absent.
7:25 PM NEW BUSINESS
Montex Decision-Jennefer gave them all the costs with Montex to put the screen up in the arena and video for
the Cowboy Channel. There was some discussion on this but the Board agreed it is needed and the price was similar to last year.
Wendy Wagner made the motion to use Montex for Fair 2025. Derrick DeHaan seconded the motion. The motion carried. The motion carried. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent.
Dave Allen email-Dave Allen with Rodeo Billings sent an email wanting to make sure we are working together with them having a rodeo at the same time as us in Billings. They are working to have theirs not coincide with our rodeo days. They would like to collaborate with advertising on Social Media with us. The Board agrees to have us work together to keep the cowboys in Montana and work together with our socials.
Museum Train-Vaughn Zenko asked if we would be interested in using the train for Fair that the Historical Society received with Grant monies. The Board said we could try it and see and we will also rent the golf cart.
Food Vouchers-Table this discussion until May meeting.
Miss Teen Rodeo Gala-Bella Jensen left us a sponsorship package, and her flyer for anyone that would like to attend the event.
2025–2026 Budget Meeting-Jennefer added the packets from Brenda Wood for the budget. We will discuss at the May meeting.
Matt asked for any other business.
Leighton-Jhett Murphy, Dustin Bird are a go for steers. Eicker is sending some other contacts for breakaway calves. Wendy-Asked about announcers. Greg has a 5 year contract signed and we are still waiting on Jeff Marn.
Derrick-All Equipment has been serviced by him or Mitch. Neil is on schedule for June 1st for the sign and cement will be after that.
Matt-Is going to ask Dustin Gorder about what it would cost to repair the stage. Livestock barn doors needing fixed. Jennefer has Todd Griffith on it they had to order in parts. Jennefer brought up the fan repairs getting into the budget for next year
Matt Plaisted asked for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Next Meeting: May 19, 2025, 6:30 pm at the Fair Office
7:44PM Derrick DeHaan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Leighton Bilbrey seconded the motion. The motion carried. 3 Ayes. 0 Nays. 1 Absent.
ADJOURN:
s/ Matt Plaisted, Chairman
ATTEST:
s/Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
