Fair board discusses progress on horse pavilion repairs

The Great Northern Fair Board accepted a bid to temporarily remove the roof of the horse pavilion on the fairgrounds to evaluate damage and plan for improvements.

Vice Chair Bob Kaul said they need to remove the roof to see if there is any damage that needs to be addressed under it so they know what improvements need to be invested in.

Kaul said this will also provide the opportunity to make temporary repairs to portions of the roof that require it.

Board member Ken Erickson said they will install a sealant to prevent as much weather exposure as possible while the roof is removed.

Kaul also provided an update on efforts to improve the Bigger Better Barn’s bathrooms.

He said it is infeasible to upgrade them to automatic flushing toilets, so they are focusing on just installing better manual flush toilets and replacing the heater with an upgraded model.

During the meeting the group also briefly discussed next year’s fair, with Erickson saying he and Fairgrounds Manager Frank English went to the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs convention recently and learned a lot.

He said they don’t want to go into much detail until things are more set in stone, but they think they may have already lined up some pretty good entertainment for next year.

English also said he was interested in instituting a picture and logo contest for the fair.