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
Accessible Patron Seating - 2024
In partnership with the Rapp Family Foundation and the Hamilton Lions Club, RCFF was able to purchase additional accessible seating options for all our community members.
Patron Seating - 2024
Through a unique purchase, Ravalli County Fairgrounds Foundation, was able to purchase and reuse seating from a restaurant remodel. These units were place between the 4H Cafe and Food Row on the East side of the Farmer’s State Bank Event Center.
Mobility Accessible Door Openers - 2023
Partnering with the Rapp Family Foundation, RCFF was able to install mobility accessible door openers on the south and east doors of the Farmer’s State Bank Event Center making our facility user friendly for all our community members. Hopefully in the near future, all doors can be equipped; if you would like to assist in funding this specific project, please contact us!
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 needed 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.
2024 - Community Pergola to reuse old tee-pee burner foundation - Southeast Lawn
2025/2026 - New bathrooms to be located near back of Grandstand area, replacing current outdoor women’s restrooms
Construct a permanent covered pavilion that would replace the rental costs of temporary free stage tents at large events and create a space that would be suitable for three season community events and rental income
Outfit the remaining three doors, with automatic openers, in the Farmer’s State Bank Event Center.
Remodel of current outdoor women’s restroom into facility storage
Outdoor PA system to be used in emergencies and during events
Buildings and barns entrances need remodel to allow for mobility challenged patrons
Additional rest area & shade seating placed throughout the grounds
North gate entrances to parking area and gate need enhancement
Remodel, insulate/heat the Commercial & Floral buildings to increase year round rental 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 Give page!