MISSOULA COUNTY FAIR EVENT COMMITTEE

The 7 member Missoula County Fair Event Committee (MCFEC) was created by the Missoula County Commissioners in April of 2017 to serve in an advisory capacity for the purpose of planning and implementing the annual fair event as directed by the Board and under the supervision of the Missoula County Fairgrounds Events & Operations Manager. To join the meeting or to be added to the agenda call 406-258-3238. Thank you! 

MCFEC ARCHIVE

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Meeting ID: 286 977 583 829

Passcode: wVruh7

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+1 406-272-4824,,691310245#   United States, Billings

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Jim Sadler, a proud 5th generation Montanan, has a passion for horticulture and local traditions. Since 1995, he has generously volunteered his time and expertise at the Western Montana Fair, where he currently holds the positions of Chair of the Fair Events Committee and Superintendent of the Floriculture Building. Jim's love for plants and flowers extends beyond the fairgrounds, as he actively participates in various gardening societies. He is an active member of the Missoula Iris Society, the Missoula Rose Society, the Five Valley Dahlia and Gladiolus Society, and the Missoula Garden Club. Currently, he serves as the Montana Federation of Garden Clubs State President, where he works to support and advocate for the interests of garden clubs throughout the state. Outside of his botanical endeavors, Jim dedicates his time as a trustee of the Museum at Fort Missoula. By preserving local history and promoting cultural heritage, he contributes to the community's collective memory and pride. Jim resides in the Target Range area with his wife Linda. Professionally, he serves as a Supervisor for a national company that administers tests in elementary schools. His role allows him to make a positive impact on education, ensuring fair and accurate assessments for young learners.

Dave Bell is a steady, longtime presence on the Missoula County Fair Event Committee - in fact, he’s been with the committee almost since the inception! Dave is a commercial photographer who thrives on engaging with his clients and delving into the stories behind each photograph. With a passion for building relationships and collaborating with partners, Dave is dedicated to understanding the vibrant Missoula community. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Dave was honored with the Superintendent of the Year award by the Western Montana fair staff in 2018 for his exceptional work in the Photography and Arts Building. His role involved scouting for new talent and providing support throughout the week-long fair. Dave's favorite moments at the Western Montana Fair include selecting the annual fair theme, witnessing the enthusiastic engagement of young individuals in various artistic endeavors and the 4-H program, and volunteering alongside his daughter. When he's not busy with his photography and fair-related activities, Dave indulges in his love for outdoor adventures. Whether it's mountain biking, skiing down slopes, or enjoying the serenity of being near the water while fishing, he finds solace in nature.

Brooke Martin brings a sharp eye for detail and a variety of perspective to the Fair Event Committee. She is a founding member of the advisory committee, active since 2017. With a background in data interpretation, she brings an analytical perspective to the committee. Her valued connections to ice sports, fiber arts, Missoula's agricultural community, and 4-H means Brooke is always searching for ways to increase community involvement in the Western Montana Fair. On the Fair Event Committee, she reviews proposals, provides community contacts when requested, and generally asks a ton questions to be sure every fair attendee has a stellar experience. For Brooke, one big highlight is the expansion of Plein Air at the Fair. During her downtime, you can find her working with her small flock of Icelandic sheep, watching the Big Sky High School cross-country team compete, spending time with neighbors and family, and working with open-pollinated and heirloom produce in her market garden.

Sarah Knobel: With a background in communications and marketing (and a long history in 4-H and FFA), Sarah Knobel brings a creative spirit to the Western Montana Event Committee. Her work at the University of Montana, Big Sky Public Relations, and Trout Unlimited has a common thread of distilling complex topics into digestible bites for a variety of audiences. On the Fair Event Committee, she reviews proposals, does the occasional social media takeover, and provides PR training. A highlight for Sarah is contributing to the selection process for the prestigious Best of Fair Food awards. Sarah also serves on the City Club Missoula board and has volunteered her time with organizations like Mountain Home Montana and the Horatio Alger Association. During her downtime, you can find her tending to her struggling garden, spending time with her family, and reading. 

Tonya Robert brings a spark of positive energy to the Fair Event Committee. She has lived in Missoula for 40 years and joined the Fair Event Committee in 2018. During her tenure, she’s enjoyed getting to know more about the Western Montana Fair. As a member of the committee, she guides events for the upcoming year and help review the proposals for activities going on throughout the Fair. She’s a big supporter of local businesses and loves to help pick the Best of Fair Food awards from a variety of local vendors. She also volunteers her time with Missoula Chicks n Chaps. She joined Missoula Chicks n Chaps in 2013 as a volunteer. She loved seeing the way this organization helped the community. The organization is close to her heart as her Mother in Law went through breast cancer twice and it was a very difficult process to endure. She knew that she was in the right place helping as many community members as they could with the funds that they raise at their events. She looks forward to many more years with Missoula Chicks n Chaps. Her husband Tracy and she have 3 beautiful children Ashleigh, Brittnee and Douglas. She enjoys spending time with family and going to Football games, Basketball games, Hockey games (Go Griz!), and they love to support Paddleheads baseball.

Jane Kelly is a dedicated public servant with a diverse professional background and a passion for community service. With almost 18 years of experience working for the City of Missoula, Jane has made significant contributions in various roles. She initially served as the Coordinator of Volunteers in the Missoula Police Department and a significant portion of her career was dedicated to being a neighborhood coordinator. Outside of her city responsibilities, Jane has been actively involved in volunteering at the local fair for many years. She has taken on key leadership roles, such as serving as the Superintendent of the 4-H exhibit building, where she oversaw the successful execution of exhibits and programs. Jane even took on the role of interim 4-H extension agent for a year, demonstrating her commitment to empowering and supporting youth in their personal and professional development. Jane's professional journey began with a background in culinary arts, but she later pursued her interest in business management. She graduated from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Her culinary career took her to Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, where she became the first female chef. Jane finds joy in spending time gardening and caring for her two horses, two geese, two cats, two goats, and over 20 chickens, creating a lively and diverse animal sanctuary. Jane also serves as the treasurer for the Backcountry Horsemen of Missoula.

Hailey Jo Bergstrom brings authentic country vibes to the Fair Event Committee. Her journey in an agricultural lifestyle began in earnest at the age of 7, starting with raising rabbits and later progressing to sheep and larger livestock. Throughout her middle school and high school years, Hailey Jo was an active member of the FFA and developed her own successful breeding programs as part of her involvement. She also played a pivotal role in establishing the first-ever Bottle Baby program for bottle calves at the Western Montana fair. Alongside her involvement in the agricultural industry, Hailey Jo has cultivated expertise in marketing through her work at Pendleton Whisky. She has honed her skills in marketing strategies while collaborating with the BPR and PRCA over the past five years. These experiences give Hailey Jo an inside edge in brand promotion and public relations. Hailey Jo's life experiences have shaped her character and instilled a strong sense of discipline and structure, largely influenced by her four-year service in the United States Marine Corps. In her spare time, Hailey Jo gives back to her community by teaching youth junior rodeo, passing on her knowledge and love for the sport to the next generation. Her dedication to mentoring and guiding young individuals exemplifies her commitment to fostering a sense of camaraderie and skill development within the rodeo community.

Harley Tucker, though relatively new to the Missoula area, is an old pro at fair management and logistics. Hailing from the small town of Joseph in Eastern Oregon, Harley's family has a long-standing tradition of community service and involvement in rodeo. He spent a decade on the rodeo board for Chief Joseph Days. With 30 years of experience in the craft beer industry, Harley has set up and serviced local rodeos including Chief Joseph Days, Pendleton Round-Up, Elgin Stampede, Eastern Oregon Livestock Show, and Farmcity Rodeo. He is excited to connect with others who share his passion for rodeo.

Debbie Polsin grew up in Missoula, and fondly remembers the Missoula County Fair as the highlight of every summer.  She has a passion in event planning and project management, and revels bringing joy to community members through community involvement and events.   After 25 years in corporate America working in Marketing, Product Management, and Operations, Debbie has recently retired and looks forward to bringing her planning skills to the Missoula County Fair Event Committee.  In her spare time, Debbie and her husband, Andy, love to travel and explore, having visited 35+ countries.  They also love hanging out with their daughter, Jillian.