Friends of the Fairgrounds and Parks

Let's Elevate the Fairgrounds Kitchen Out of the 1970's!

We are on a mission at the Friends of the Fairgrounds and Parks to make improvements to our Park County Fairgrounds, parks and trail networks. Our goal with the Give-A-Hoot funds we receive this year is to redesign, bring up-to-code, and buy new equipment for the kitchen in the Main Exhibit Hall so that it is functional and meets current safety guidelines.

Although the Fairgrounds is identified as Park County's official emergency facility, in November during one of the windstorms that caused a power outage, it became apparent that without emergency equipment and a functioning kitchen, the Fairgrounds is under-equipped to operate as our county's emergency shelter.  In March, at a Fairgrounds community stakeholders' meeting, each group identified making the kitchen functional again as a top priority because the inoperable equipment in there now limits their ability to use the facility for their events.  

A consultant has identified what needs to be done to bring the kitchen up to date.  The gas, plumbing, electricity and ventilation capacities all need to be expanded and brought up to today's safety standards. The old kitchen equipment needs to be removed, and new replacements bought for all of the appliances. We need to install: a cook top, convection ovens, a range hood, a walk-in cooler, a dishwasher, and a water heater.  Although this list is long and the project is large, with your help not only can we fix the number one concern expressed by the community members that use the Fairgrounds now, but we can also draw more groups into this space in the future.

Our Fairgrounds is a connectivity gem because people, young and old, come together to work, learn, celebrate, show their talents and build community. It hosts everything that makes our community vital, from our local and national elections, to weddings, conferences, tradeshows, high school career days, fundraisers, important public meetings and more.  It is a hub where members of our entire County can gather to collaborate, educate, and commemorate annual rituals like the Livingston Round-up Rodeo and the 4-H Fair that make our community's agricultural heritage shine. 

Please join us in our effort to replace our 50-year-old kitchen with a fully functional one that will serve our community during their group events and in an emergency situation! Our goal is to ensure that Park County's public spaces remain welcoming, well-maintained, and full of endless possibilities for this generation and the next.  

Testimonials

"Supporting the Fairgrounds means investing in youth as they build skills in animal science, communication, career readiness, and civic engagement. The Fairgrounds is a vital resource for 4-H programs and MSU Extension. In addition to hosting more than 100 local youth, their families, and livestock during Fair week, the facilities, including the exhibit barn, sale barn, rodeo arena, and livestock barns, support year-round youth development. Horse safety clinics, animal quality assurance training, 4-H meetings and celebrations, and a 10-week winter shooting sports program all rely on this space. The space also supports adult learners by hosting MSU Extension programs that help local producers improve practices, protect resources, and sustain the long-term success of our agricultural community."   Jackie Petersen, MSU Extension

"The Park County Fairgrounds are one of the most important year-round community assets in Park County, bringing together agriculture, youth, recreation, tourism, and local tradition through countless gatherings that strengthen our local economy and quality of life. From families and ranchers to athletes, volunteers, and visitors, the Fairgrounds serve as a true community hub that connects generations and supports the social and economic vitality of Livingston and the surrounding region."   Alex Russell, Livingston Ice Skating Association Treasurer

"The Park County Fairgrounds is an incredible space where, among many other things, 3 rodeos, the Fair and many FFA events happen every year. These events help us to preserve our western heritage and pass our agricultural roots into the next generation of our youth. Calamity's Classic Rodeo appreciates the Fairground spaces that allow us to bring people together to celebrate rodeo in our beautiful County. We also recognize that the Fairgrounds is in need of constant maintenance and repairs so that it can host future events that will bring people together to celebrate Montana's way of life."      Mike Klassing, Calamity Classic Rodeo

"Our local fairgrounds provides an essential place for 4-H youth to showcase and celebrate the hard work, skills, and projects they have spent the year developing through their 4-H programs. The annual fair also brings the public together to support local youth, strengthen community connections, and promote the importance of agriculture and rural traditions in our area." Tyler Sarrazin, Park County Fair