Plans for 2021 Great Northern Fair moving forward amid uncertainty

Great Northern Fair Board Chair Bobbie Dolphay said plans for the 2021 Great Northern Fair are moving forward under the assumption that the fair will happen, but COVID-19 remains a wild card.

Dolphay said the decision about whether or not to hold the fair will depend on a number of factors including the state of COVID-19, and likely won’t ultimately be made until May or June.

Members of the board said they were contacting rodeo and carnival organizers to see where things stood, but the future of both is still uncertain.

The board also discussed the position of secretary, which Dolphay said she’s going to hold off on advertising until fair season gets closer.

Board members also discussed moving forward on a project to paint the Bigger Better Barn, ultimately deciding on white for the doors and Montana State University—Northern-esque red for the drywall.

The board voted to have Hill County Electric Cooperative repair two power poles near the Great Northern Fairgrounds Community Center that were damaged in last weeks wind storm.

Board Member Josh Heitzenroder said the asbestos study of the fairground’s office building has been completed and, while asbestos was present in the floor tiles, it remains undisturbed and isn’t dangerous.

The board also announced that it has officially ordered a 2021 Can-Am side-by-side off-road vehicle from Red’s Auto Parts, an issue that was voted on in November.

Board Member Tyler Smith announced at the end of the meeting that he would not seek another term on the board.

He said the decision was motivated in part by frustration, but that he enjoyed his time on the board and commended its members their accomplishments and for working together.

“The reason I’m leaving is the frustration of things again and again not coming together the way I think they should. But, I am proud of this board, none of the other boards I’ve been on have worked better together than this one, and during our time we’ve accomplished a lot. … I have treasured my time here.”

He did say he’d be willing to stay on as a past president, a position he said other boards he’s served on have, and operate in an advisory capacity while giving up any decision making powers.