Fairgrounds Rules - Gallatin County, Montana

THESE RULES WILL BECOME A PART OF EVERY CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT, VERBAL OR WRITTEN,
INVOLVING USE OF THE FAIRGROUNDS. THE GALLATIN COUNTY FAIR BOARD RESERVES THE FINAL AND
ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO INTERPRET THESE RULES AND SETTLE AND DETERMINE ALL MATTERS, QUESTIONS AND
DIFFERENCES IN REGARD THERETO, CONNECTED WITH OR INCIDENTAL TO THE FAIR; ALSO TO AMEND OR
ADD TO THESE RULES AS MAY SEEM ADVISABLE TO THE FAIR BOARD.
I. HOURS OF OPERATION
1. The Fairgrounds will be open from 8:00AM to 10:00PM Sunday through Saturday. Hours may vary to accommodate
events at the discretion of the Fair Board.
2. All evening events must be concluded by 10:00PM unless other arrangements are made with the Fair Management in
writing and all persons must leave Fairgrounds no later then 1:00AM. Fairgrounds gates will be locked at that time.
3. Events scheduled on holidays will be subject to additional charges for staff time.
II. GENERAL RULES
1. The Gallatin County Fair Board (“Fair Board”) and its agents reserve the right to interpret these rules and regulations
and to settle and determine all matters, questions and differences in regard thereto, arising out of and not covered by
them. "Fairgrounds" and "facility" means any real and personal property under the control of the Gallatin County Fair
Board by and through Gallatin County.
2. The Fair Management reserves the right to exclude from the grounds, any person or persons whom it may deem
undesirable or offensive.
3. Gallatin County, its Fair Board and agents shall not be responsible in any way for supplies, materials, animals,
equipment or personal belongings that may be damaged or lost by fire, theft, accident or otherwise.
4. Speed limit on Fairgrounds is 15 mph.
5. Driving is limited to designated roadways.
6. Except where necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a peace officer, no
person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle:
a. In a fire lane
b. On the midway
c. In any place where the Fair Board has prohibited, regulated or restricted parking for the welfare of the general
public or for proper use of the Fairgrounds.
d. Any person violating these rules is subject to a City parking fine and the vehicle subject to removal and
impoundment by the Fairgrounds and the person violating the rules shall pay the actual cost of such removal and
impoundment.
7. Livestock is allowed only in barn and arena areas.
GALLATIN COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS RULES
8. Horseback riding is limited to the barn and arena area. Horses are to be ridden at a walk in all areas other then
arenas and track.
9. Barn rules are posted in each individual barn and shall be obeyed at all times.
10. Open fires are not allowed on the Fairgrounds without approval of Fair Management.
11. No person shall possess any weapon in violation of Gallatin County Ordinance 96-02 on the Fairgrounds. Any
requests for exemption there from must be made in writing to the Fair Board who may impose additional security
conditions.
12. No persons shall engage in fighting or use obscene or abusive language or conduct themselves in a disorderly manner
while on the Fairgrounds.
13. All dogs must be on a leash or contained while on the Fairgrounds and are only allowed in Exhibit Buildings with a
leash. Dogs may be exercised in the east parking lot, provided they are supervised.
14. Bicycle riding on the Fairgrounds is limited to parking lots and designated roadways. Bicycles are not allowed in or on
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walkways, midway, buildings, or barn area.
15. Report any damages or problems to Fairgrounds staff immediately.
16. Any person violating these or any other Rules of the Fair Board or any term or condition of any agreement or otherwise
violates any law is subject to immediate removal from the Fairgrounds.
17. No person acting alone or in concert with others, shall go into or upon the Fairgrounds and obstruct or disrupt by force,
violence or other conduct which is in fact obstructive or disruptive, activities conducted thereon or uses made thereof.
Obstructive or disruptive conduct includes restricting lawful:
a. Freedom of movement on or within a facility.
b. Designated use of facility.
c. Ingress or egress on or within a facility.
18. Food for sale shall comply with Montana Public Health laws. If food is to be prepared on site, the vendor must obtain a
State of Montana Food Purveyors License. This can be done through the Gallatin City-County Health Department or
the Montana Department of Health. Non-Profit organizations may request an exemption from this requirement from
the Gallatin City-County Health Department at the Gallatin County Courthouse (582-3120).
19. All barns and buildings are designated “No Smoking Areas”.
20. WEAPONS. The carrying or possession of a weapon in or on the Gallatin County Fairgrounds is prohibited
unless authorized by the Fair Board. Carrying or possessing “toy” weapons is also prohibited during the
County Fair.
III. SECURITY
1. There will be Fairgrounds Staff on the grounds at all times during any event. Fairgrounds Staff may terminate the
event upon violation of any law or term and condition of any agreement.
2. A night watchman shall be posted during livestock events when livestock is kept on the Fairgrounds overnight. This
watchman must be approved by Fairgrounds management. If an approved watchman is not posted, Fairgrounds Staff
will provide this service and bill an appropriate and reasonable amount to the responsible party.
3. Any event serving or selling alcoholic beverages (see below) or any other event deemed necessary by the Fair Board,
must supply security to insure the safety of those participating in the event or other activities on the Fairgrounds,
facilities and equipment. This security must be approved by the Fair Board. Should an event fail to provide approved
security for their event, it will be viewed as a violation and will be terminated immediately.
IV. ALCOHOL
1. DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS: (Must supply Fairgrounds before event is confirmed)
A. A copy of the State Liquor License,
B. Proof of Liquor Liability Insurance
C. “City/County Alcoholic Beverage Catering Special Event Endorsement”
D. If the event is hosted or sponsored by a Montana State University organization an "Off Campus Alcohol Activity
Permit” signed by the Dean of Students must also be provided.
E. Proof of Alcohol Sales Training for anyone actually selling the alcoholic beverages
2. Anyone not abiding by the following policies will forfeit the right to serve alcoholic beverages on the Fairgrounds. In
order to have that privilege reinstated the alcohol provider must come before the Fair Board.
3. No alcoholic beverages shall be brought on to the Fairgrounds unless prior authorization is obtained from the Fair
Board. This includes coolers.
4. If alcoholic beverages are sold or served during an event held on the Fairgrounds, it must be stated in writing and all
state, county and city laws must be obeyed.
5. It is the responsibility of the Alcoholic beverage provider to see that all alcohol is contained in the event area.
6. No Alcohol is allowed in the Parking Lots. and Barns
7. Alcohol is allowed in the camping areas, but only inside the RV’s.
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8. Alcoholic beverages must be served in cans, paper or plastic cups. No glass containers are allowed.
9. Fair Board approved alcohol training is required for anyone selling alcoholic beverages and proof of this training MUST
be provided. Please contact at 406-587-7786 or e-mail her at stacy@childcareconnections.info to set up an
appointment for alcohol training.
10. As stated in the Security section (III. #3) above, all events serving or selling alcohol or any other event deemed
necessary by the Fair Board, will be required to supply security for the event.
V. CLEANUP
1. Those utilizing the Fairgrounds are expected to leave facilities in the same condition as they found them. Payment for
any damages to the Fairgrounds caused as a direct result of the event will be the party responsible for the event.
2. Clean up procedures for each building are posted in the buildings.
3. The Fairgrounds Staff is not responsible for setting up tables and chairs and other equipment. They are also not
responsible for sweeping, cleaning tables and chairs and other equipment and placing litter in trash cans after an
event. Cleaning up litter will include inside facility used and outside facility when appropriate. Any litter over and
above what will fit in the provided cans must be removed from the Fairgrounds by user or additional charges may
apply.
4. Cleanup must be completed immediately after any event or it will be billed to the party responsible for the event.
5. Barn users are to dump manure in designated areas only.
6. Please help keep the Fairgrounds clean! Litter barrels are provided for this purpose. If you need to clean out a
livestock trailer, use the designated areas. Don't clean trailers out in parking lots.
VI. DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION AND MATERIAL
1. Distribution of advertising material or matter of any kind, nature, or description is PROHIBITED on the Fairgrounds
UNLESS such distribution shall be within and from the assigned or designated space or shall first have been
authorized by the Fair Management upon application.
VII. LIVESTOCK
1. ANIMAL CARE: The Fair Board requires that animals be handled in a proper and ethical manner in accordance with
accepted modern animal husbandry and scientific practices. In addition, adequate care including watering, feeding, and
comfort should be appropriately provided to all animals. Any individual treating an animal in any other manner will be
dismissed from the grounds. Health aids and other approved products should be used with care, according to prescribed
practices, only when needed and in the correct amounts. Anyone judged to be cruel to animals on the grounds will
be dismissed from the grounds.
2. PARKING OF LIVESTOCK TRAILERS & TRUCKS: Livestock exhibitors having trucks, trailers and cars that will not be
in general use during the week of the Fair will be required to park these in the trailer parking area which is located in the
West Annex of the Fairgrounds (accessed through the West Oak Gate).
3. SIGNAGE: Livestock owners/exhibitors may put signs up over their display on the wall or freestanding signs will be
allowed, providing they do not extend into the aisle or into another exhibit. No electrical signs will be allowed in the
barns. Please remove tacks, tape, and nails before leaving.
4. ANY ANIMAL THAT DIES ON THE GROUNDS MUST BE TAKEN IMMEDIATELY TO MONTANA STATE
UNIVERSITY FOR NECROPSY. Any expenses incurred will be paid by the owner of the animal.
5. CATTLE: All bulls must be handled with a nose lead. All cattle must be tied with halter and neck rope in and out of the
barns.
6. DESIGNATED LIVESTOCK AREA: Livestock is allowed only in the barn area and arenas.
7. ANIMAL HEALTH, BRAND & IMPORT REGULATIONS: All out-of-state animals must be accompanied by a Veterinary
Inspection Certificate (current within 30 days), and an Import Permit that can be obtained by the Veterinarian issuing the
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VIC within 10 days prior to entry into Montana by calling 1-406-444-2976. All out-of-state horses must also be
accompanied by a negative Equine Infectious Anemia test (Coggins), current within 12 months. All animals coming into
Montana from a Brand Inspection area and animals coming into Gallatin County from within the State, must have a
current Brand Inspection. Animals that develop a disease condition while on the Fairgrounds are to be handled in
accordance with the directive of the attending veterinarian.
8. DRUG TESTING: The Gallatin County Fair Board reserves the right to have any animals entered in the Fair tested for
drugs. Any animal found with drugs will be disqualified and premiums withheld. Any drugs being used for medical
purposes must be registered with local veterinarian prior to show.
VIII. BARN RULES
1. The Gallatin County Fair Board is dedicated to the responsible care of animals and to the production of safe and
wholesome food. We believe there are scientific and philosophical reasons for people to employ sound animal
husbandry practices. Abuse and neglect of animals is irrational, counter-productive and goes against these husbandry
practices. Fairgrounds management requires that animals be handled in a proper and ethical manner in accordance
with accepted modern animal husbandry and scientific practices. In addition, adequate care, including watering,
feeding, and comfort, should be appropriately provided to all animals. Any individual treating an animal in any other
manner will be dismissed from the grounds.
2. Livestock are allowed only in the barn area or arenas on the Fairgrounds.
3. Please take every precaution to have control of your animal at all times.
4. Barn alleys must be kept free of obstacles. If extra feed or tack items are kept in the alley, please keep them next to
stall and out of way.
5. Animals may not be tied in the barn alley. All grooming and tacking up must be done in your stalls or outside of the
barn.
6. There is a wash-rack available - please do not wash livestock in the barn alley or outside the barns. This creates
muddy areas for both people and animals.
7. Please use caution when leading your animals through the barn. Remember there are people and other animals using
that same area. Animals tied or penned in the barn can sometimes become aggressive. If animal is lead down the
center of the alley rather then next to other animals, accidents may be avoided.
8. The Fairgrounds staff checks barns after each event, but it is always wise to check your area for any possible dangers
present such as broken boards, nails or staples. If you find something that needs attention, please contact
Fairgrounds staff immediately.
9. If your animal is to remain in the barn overnight be sure to check that he is secured and won’t be found wandering the
Fairgrounds in the morning. The owner is required to leave a phone number where you can be reached in case of an
emergency.
10. Barn litter is to be placed in areas designated for that purpose. Each barn has an area at each end, just outside doors
(look for signs).
11. Signs may be put up in barns, provided all nails, staples, tacks, etc. are removed when you leave.
12. A brand inspection is required on all livestock coming in from outside of Gallatin County. Health papers should be in
order if you are coming from outside of Montana. Montana State Brand Inspectors may be on the grounds at any time
and require these from you.
13. Any animal dying on the grounds must be taken immediately to Montana State University for necropsy.
14. If you need to clean your livestock trailer, please do it in the area provided, not in the parking lots.
15. Camping is allowed in specified areas. Full RV hookups are available. Please check with Fairgrounds staff if you wish
to stay overnight on the Fairgrounds. Electrical cords for RV's may not be run out of barns.
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