Fair board looking into relocating office

After a massive water leak happened at the Great Northern Fairgrounds office, fair board chair Tyler Smith said during the board’s monthly meeting Tuesday that he has begun developing ideas of turning part of the former museum building on the north side of the fairgrounds into an office space, as well as a meeting place.

“I don’t believe it’s worth putting more money into repairs,” Smith said.

During the meeting, the board confirmed the lineup of events for the upcoming fair, set for July 17-21.

Wednesday will be the junior rodeo. Thursday will be the open rodeo. Friday will be the memorial bull ride, and Saturday will be the Havre Jaycees Demolition Derby with Bump and Run races. Sunday will have the Indian relay races.

The State Line Drive band will also perform at the fair Saturday and Sunday around the demolition derby and the Indian relay races.

The fair will also have some free events including a juggler and possibly a local band.

The board and said all the contracts are signed for all events during the fair as well as for a one-day circus, which will be 8 a.m. to midnight in the Bigger Better Barn April 24.

The public will be able to purchase tickets through the circus itself.

The fair board is currently looking for someone to fill the manager and secretary positions. However, Smith said they are shelving the search to fill the secretary position and that “Chelby Gooch and Bobbie Dolphay are doing a good job handling the secretary work.”

Smith and the board are working on a plan to get wireless internet set up at the fairgrounds in the commercial building and possibly the rest of the fairgrounds.

Board member Sean Bickford said installing wifi at the campgrounds would draw in visitors.

Smith said the internet would be secured and only available to those who paid for access, adding that the board has talked to Triangle Communications about possible internet service options.

One option is to allow Triangle to handle all internet issues that may arise, which costs $100 a month. The other option would make the board responsible for fixing any problems and purchasing the equipment. They said they have not agreed upon a plan and are still considering other options.