Board: Weather dropped attendance at fair

Members of the Great Northern County Fair Board during a post-fair meeting Tuesday night blamed erratic weather for the low attendance at this year's fair.

Bleak skies and low temperatures Thursday, followed by fierce winds and rain Friday night significantly reduced attendance, they said. At one point, winds ripped through the fairground knocking over tables. Some, including the Hill County Democrats who had been set up outside near the main entrance to the grounds, were forced to retreat into the commercial building. These conditions kept many from flocking to the event, according to fair board members.

A good crowd however, was on hand for both the demolition derby Saturday and the rodeo.

While acknowledging the sparse crowds, fair director Mike Sharpe tried to put things in perspective.

"I was fairly pleased with how well we did, considering what we were up against," Sharp said.

Lower traffic however, was not the only shortcoming of this year's fair. Many have complained about the lack of rides and games geared toward teens and adults. Many have bemoaned the absence of such staples of the fair as a Ferris wheel and a Zipper.

The contract Brown's Amusements, the business tasked with providing the rides for the fair, did not require the company to provide specific rides for the event, Sharp said.

Aged bathroom facilities were also beset by problems and poor sanitary conditions, board members said.

However, members were quick to highlight the fair's successes.

The rodeo and Saturday night's demolition derby were widely seen as successes, drawing large crowds and ample enthusiasm, as did the performers such as Penelope the Clown and juggler Paul Isaak who roamed the fairgrounds interacting with people.

The 4-H auction was also deemed a success. Of the market animals sold during the auction, two cows, two steers, a pig and six lambs were purchased and donated back with the resale money donated to charity.

The ongoing project by 4-H to build a new chuckwagon also picked up steam with half the participants in the auction donating between one and 10 percent of their earnings.

In the wake of criticism, Sharp said that the fair board and county will work hard to ensure next year's fair goes smoother and draws more interest.

"I feel strongly that the city of Havre is ready for a big show," Sharp said. "Not in three years, not two years but next year." ,

In other business at Tuesday's board meeting, Sharp said he walked insurance adjusters through the fairgrounds to review damage caused by high winds and large hail on July 4.

Several buildings were damaged, especially roofs.