Greetings from the Commercial Exhibitors Department!
The 2006 Montana State Fair is scheduled for Friday, July 28 through Sunday, August 6.
We would like to offer you the opportunity to be a part of the Montana State Fair. We are a member of the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs and take pride in being the State Fair for Montana. This year we are celebrating our 75th Anniversary!
This handbook contains general information for all commercial exhibitors along with a Commercial Exhibitor Application Form. Commercial Exhibitors are a vital part of our fair and we value their participation.
Montana State Fair has the capability to accommodate 154 indoor exhibitors and 79 outdoor exhibitors. All applications will be considered and we will do our best to choose and place exhibitors in such a way that will provide for a successful experience for both exhibitors and patrons.
We are looking forward to an exciting Montana State Fair. We hope you will consider joining us for this event!
Sincerely,
Carmen Thorsen
Commercial Exhibits
STATISTICS
Montana State Fair has shown a 6% growth rate annually for the past 4 years. The 2005 fair had an attendance of 142,039. Paid admissions at the gate included 40% adults, 13% senior (60+), 26 % teens, kids (6-12) 13%, and kids (5 & under) 13%. There has been an increase in sponsorships with a 270% growth over 3 years. This is important because it shows businesses are interested in investing in the Montana State Fair.
Fair concessions doubled in 2005 and midway concessions were up 11%, tremendous growth for our food vendors. Carnival revenues were up 4%.
Night shows have doubled in revenue since 2002. These statistics are showing increased spending of disposable income. In 2005, Montana State Fair sold out the Big & Rich concert and the PRCA Rodeo was up 30% in attendance. Our biggest day traditionally is Carload Day. Check with the fair office to learn what day this will be. We are encouraging vendors to incorporate fun promotions into your exhibits, celebrating our 75th anniversary.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Building Set Up
Buildings will be open for set up:
Wednesday, July 26: Noon – 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 27: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday, July 28: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Exhibitors must register by noon on Friday, July 28.
All Exhibitors must be in place by 4 p.m., Friday, July 28 and remain in place until
4 p.m., Sunday, August 6.
Forklift with operator is available on a limited basis for set up and teardown.
Cost is $45 per hour with a 1/2 hour minimum. Please make arrangements at the Administration Office. Payment must be made before the conclusion of the Fair. Building Security
There will be security in the buildings and on the grounds from closing to 6 a.m. beginning Thursday, July 27 and continuing through Sunday, August 6.
Fair Week Hours
Friday, July 28: 5 p.m. - 12 midnight
Sat., July 29 - Sat. Aug. 5: 11 a.m. - 12 midnight Sunday, Aug. 6: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Buildings will open to vendors at 10 a.m. daily.
Commercial exhibits are to be open:
Friday, July 28: 4 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday, July 29 through Saturday August 5: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday, August 6: 11 a.m – 4 p.m.
RV Parking Commercial Exhibitors Only
$175/fair week full hook-up
$130/fair week electric only
$90/fair week dry hook-up
Move Out
Buildings will close to the public at 4 p.m. Sunday, August 6. Buildings will reopen on Monday, August 7 at 8 a.m. for move out.
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ADMISSIONS
Single Space:
1 Season Admission Pass
20 Daily Admission Tickets
1 Auto Parking Permit
Multiple Spaces:
2 Season Admission Passes
40 daily Admission Tickets
2 Auto Parking Permit
Auto parking permits allow entrance to the grounds and parking in designated parking areas only. Under no circumstances is parking allowed on the Midway or by buildings unless it is a designated parking area.
Packets will be available at the time of set up. Additional passes, admissions tickets and parking permits can be purchased before
11 a.m. Saturday, July 29.
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COMMERCIAL EXHIBITOR REGULATIONS
Sec. 1 All persons making application for commercial space will be required to sign a written contract before being allowed to transact any business. Management reserves the right to cancel at any time, for reasons satisfactory to it, all contracts made with the commercial exhibitor. All applications and contracts pertaining to the leasing of space and the granting of rights and privileges shall be made in the names of all persons who have an interest therein or who are to receive any benefit or incur any liability in connection therewith.
Sec. 2 All commercial exhibitors are required to carry liability insurance.
A current Certificate of Liability Insurance in an amount of not less than $1,000,000 is required. The certificate/rider must name Montana ExpoPark, Cascade County, SMG and their officers, agents & employees as additional insured. Proof of insurance must be provided before a booth can open.
Insurance can be purchased as a rider on Montana ExpoPark’s policy. Sec. 3 Each commercial exhibitor must confine himself to the space assigned. Only products/services listed on the contractual agreement may be displayed or sold. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of privilege without reimbursement. Montana State Fair reserves the right to mandate removal of any unauthorized products/services and reserves the right to prohibit any product that is hazardous or harmful to the fair patrons.
Sec. 4 Any subletting without written authorization from Montana State Fair Management is prohibited.
Sec. 5 Montana State Fair Management authorizes only such space allocations as are required to supply the necessary wants of the people or that may add to their comfort, convenience and pleasure. Under no circumstances will privileges of a questionable nature or of a demoralizing tendency be tolerated upon the grounds or in the buildings; nor will any privilege be permitted where the business is conducted in other than a legitimate manner.
Sec. 6 All grounds leases or space contracts, unless otherwise specified, will expire with the close of the fair. ALL BUILDINGS, FRAMES, BOOTHS, ETC. MUST BE REMOVED BY AUGUST 13, otherwise Montana State Fair Management, at its option, may remove the same at the expense of the exhibitor or retain the property as its own.
Sec. 7 A violation of any of the terms and stipulations of the commercial contract shall cause a revocation and forfeiture of all rights and privileges granted to the exhibitor in which event all sums paid or contracted to be paid become the property of Montana State Fair as liquidated damages for said breach. Montana State Fair shall have a lien upon all property being kept, used or situated upon leased premises on the Montana ExpoPark grounds, whether such property be exempt or not, for any unpaid rents, and any damages sustained by breach of contract by said exhibitor. Montana State Fair shall have the right to retain such property with process of law and appropriate said property of commercial exhibitor to satisfy all claims.
Sec. 8 One 110V/20 amp power outlet is provided. Additional power, if required, is at the expense of exhibitor. Deadline for request is June 15, 2006.
Sec. 9 Indoor booths are draped with 8’ high back drapes and 3’ high side drapes.
Sec. 10 Montana State Fair will give preference to previous year’s exhibitors, while reserving the right to assign space based on product and quality of exhibit. Deadline for returning Exhibitor Application and deposit is March 15, 2006. After that time new applications will be processed.
Sec. 11 $l00 per space deposit with an application is required for confirmation. Balance due June 30, 2006. Failure to pay balance due by June 30 shall cause forfeiture of any monies paid and the privileges granted in any contractual agreement issued. Montana State Fair shall then have the right to resell the locations(s).
Sec. 12 Bookings after June 30 require cash or money order payment in full by July 15, 2006.
Sec. 13 Cancellations after June 30, 2006 shall result in forfeiture of all monies paid.
Sec. 14 Exhibitor acknowledges that, by signature of contract, these regulations are a part of the 2006 contract and shall be adhered to.
Sec. 15 Montana State Fair strictly prohibits alcohol of any kind to be kept, sold or consumed by the exhibitor or their employees within any commercial or public space. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of privilege without reimbursement. Alcoholic beverages may be consumed in licensed, designated areas only.
Sec. 16 Exhibitors that travel with pets must keep them in their living quarters and on a leash and out of the way from the public when on the grounds. As a rule, pets are not allowed on the fairgrounds, with the exception of disability-related service dogs.
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AWARDS
Best Exhibitor Award:
A plaque and $100 cash will be awarded to the Best Commercial Agriculture Exhibit, Best Educational Exhibit, Best Overall Commercial Exhibit, Best Concessionaire Exhibit and for the 75th Anniversary-the Longevity award for the Exhibitor with the most years.
2005 Best Exhibits Award Winners:
Best Commercial Agriculture Exhibit - Torgersons, LLC Best Educational Exhibit - Montana Stockgrowers Assn., Undaunted Stewardship Best Overall Commercial Exhibit - Square Butte Steel Works Best Concessionaire Exhibit - Chadwick’s Cookhouse
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IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE DIRECT COMMUNICATION TO:
MONTANA STATE FAIR
ATTN: Carmen Thorsen
Commercial Exhibitors
400 3rd ST NW • Great Falls, MT 59404
(406) 727-8900 Fax (406) 452-8955
e-mail: carmen@goexpopark.com
RV AND LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS
RV camp spots at Montana ExpoPark: (first come/first serve basis) $20 Deposit
No Hook-Up $90/wk
Electrical (20 amp only) $130/wk
Full Hook-Up $175/wk
Dick’s RV Park – 1403 11th Street SW 1-406-452-0333
KOA Kampground – 1500 51st Street S. 1-800-562-6584
Lodging close to Montana ExpoPark:
Days Inn – 101 14th Avenue NW 1-800-329-7466
Meadowlark Inn – 299 3rd Street NW 1-406-761-2089
LaQuinta Inns & Suites – 600 River Drive S. 1-800-531-5900
Extended Stay America – 800 River Drive S. 1-800-398-7829
Motel 6 -- #2 Treasure State Drive 1-800-362-4842
Alberta Motel – 1101 Central Avenue W. 1-866-861-1101
Starlite Motel – 1521 1st Avenue NW 1-800-918-9597
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