The Western Montana Fair kicks off this Tuesday, August 7, in Missoula and the biggest news for the public is that there will be no entry fee to enter this year.
The National Weather Service office in Missoula is predicting that Western Montana Fair week will be brutally hot, with temperatures nearing the triple digits by the end of the week
At the Wednesday meeting of the Missoula County Commissioners, they voted unanimously to offer free admission to the Western Montana fair in perpetuity.
There was a ceremonial ribbon-cutting at the Western Montana Fair on Wednesday, the first day of the event, to commemorate the tradition that began in 1897, and is still going strong in 2017, with free admission for the entire five day event.
The 2017 Western Montana Fair features free admission. Director of the Western Montana Fairgrounds Emily Bentley said the decision to offer free admission came from the Missoula County Commissioners.
Western Montana Fair officials are looking for ways to boost their attendance numbers. This year, they are starting a new tradition in hopes of reaching those goals.