Fair Board makes preparations for this year's event

The Cheyenne County Fair Board met earlier this week to discuss preparations for the 2015 Cheyenne County Fair and Rodeo, which kicks off next week.

Some of this year's big events include a truck and tractor pull, bull riding, monster truck races, ranch rodeo and demolition derby.

At Monday night's meeting, board members provided updates on the status of the planned activities and said arrangements are on track.

This will mark the first year the fair will include monster truck racing, and Daniel Hammond said he recently talked with the group bringing the trucks and that everything was in order.

Board president Gerald Frerichs said the ranch rodeo, which will take place on Friday, July 24, is sponsored by Cabela's and there will be free admission for all.

The entry fee for participants in the demolition derby, scheduled for Saturday, July 25, was set at $50, and pit passes for helpers will cost $15.

The logistics of organizing the 10-day fair were also discussed, including what equipment will be needed and when.

The board said it would request the use of the county's grader, small tractor, water truck and packer.

The fair runs Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 26.

Also at the meeting:

• Kip Miller said the county commissioners had requested that a quorum of fair board members attend a joint meeting on Tuesday, July 21. At that meeting, bids for the construction of a new livestock building at the fairgrounds will be opened.

• The board also discussed a structure on the fairgrounds that is in poor condition and wasn't used last year.

"Is there anything we can do with the building out there?" Frerichs asked. "It's just a mess, a big eye sore."

If it's not going to be used this year, Marvin Filsinger suggested removing it before the fair.

Board member Dave Weiderspon recommended contacting the county commissioners or county attorney.