Projects
The history of the Ravalli County Fairgrounds can be traced back to the late 1800's when "Cooper King" Marcus Daly originally donated some of the land to the County and then the County purchase of the current land in 1913 from the Bitter Root Stock Farm.
In the past, community members and organizations, such as 4-H and FFA would assist staff in the building, grounds & maintenance projects but now days the projects have become too large and extensive to rely strictly on volunteers. The fairgrounds staff consist of two full time office employees and 1+ maintenance staff paid by the County.
The Ravalli County Fairgrounds Foundation, Inc. was founded to make sure that the fairgrounds would be a great community asset for generations to come by providing funding assistance to preserve, enhance, improve and maintain the grounds. RCFF funds these projects through private public & business donations, grants and sponsorship/partnering with other non-profit and service organizations.
RECENTLY COMPLETED PROJECTS
North Gate Shade Shelter Project - 2021
Designed by RCFF and partnering with Donaldson Brothers, 406 Builders and Travis Saville for construction this project is located near the North gate and provides comfortable seating & rest area.
Patron Seating - 2021
RCFF procured the sturdy easily cleanable seating from a fast food business during their remodeling. The seating provides a nice shaded seating area for patrons on "food row" to sit, relax and enjoy their food and good conversation with neighbors & friends.
Memorial Garden Tree Plantings - 2021
In partnership with a $200 gift certificate from Pink Grizzly in Missoula and memorial donations, RCFF planted four trees and lots of perennials in the garden surrounding the South Gate gazebo. This is a wonderful venue for folks to sit and reflect or just rest while enjoying the fairgrounds. Memorials can be made by contacting RCFF.
Rock Benches - 2021
RCFF and the Victor FFA teamed up to write a $1,500.00 grant from the Montana FFA Foundation, to purchase the materials for four much needed rest benches. Fourteen members of the Victor FFA members worked under the oversight of Travis Saville to build and complete the beautiful rock benches project.
Grandstand Handicap Accessibility Seating - 2020
A huge much need project, accessible seating for those with mobility issues, was completed with the assistance of many partners. The seating ramp and platform, designed with help of Ran Pigman, was paid for with County funds along with monies from the Rockin' RC Rodeo Cowboy Ball & put together by Sorum Construction. RCFF through a $5,000.00 grant from the Montana AARP was able to provide the funds to pay the contractor, purchase & install the platform skirting, purchase the chairs and provide the signage.
FUTURE PROJECTS
The Ravalli County Fairgrounds consists of many buildings, roads and grounds areas that constantly are in need of preservation, enhancing, improving and maintaining which all cost money. Listed below are some of our upcoming projects that RCFF will be seeking funds to assist in getting these done.
Lighting throughout the fairgrounds to provide a much safer environment, extending into the North grounds parking area
Handicap accessible door openers on the First Interstate Center building
Outdoor PA system to be used in emergencies and during events
Buildings and barns entrances need remodel to allow for mobility challenged patrons
Women's restroom needs complete remodel
Rest area & shade seating placed throughout the grounds
North gate entrances to parking area and gate need enhancement
Remodel and insulate the Commercial & Floral buildings to increase year round rental revenue
Storage container for "fair" items storage so that the Ag & Floral building can be rented out throughout the year in order to increase revenue
All the above future projects will be dependent on funding. If you would like to help RCFF move these and other projects forward please see our Ways to Help page!