After nearly 12 years, Tim Solomon quits as fair manager

After nearly 12 years of serving as general manager of the Great Northern Fair Board, Tim Solomon has resigned.

Solomon said his resignation will go into effect March 31, and that this is "more of a retirement."

"We've had some great fairs, as far as some of the top-revenue fairs," he said, looking back on his 12-year career.

He will remain mayor of Havre.

Solomon said there will be advertising for someone to manage the fairgrounds.

"They're looking for someone to do a contract (where) the house will be part of the payment - someone to live on-site - which I never was interested in that part of it," he said.

Alma Seidel, a board member, said she will miss Solomon's leadership with the fair board.

"He's a hard worker, he loves the fair, he was willing to put in hours and hours of extra time, he's very knowledgeable about budget - about the laws," she said. "He knows the ins and outs of the business of running a fair."

Solomon has a long history of public service. He worked at the Hill County Sheriff's Department for 28 years, serving as sheriff/coroner from 1986 to 2001.

A Democrat, he was elected mayor in 2009, ousting Republican Bob Rice.

Numerous other board members and representatives of various organizations involved with the fair, including Bert Corcoran, Missy Boucher and Gus Sharp declined to comment or did not return calls seeking comment on Solomon's service and what action the board may take next.