Fairgrounds manager to retire in November
Sep. 22—Flathead County Fairgrounds Manager Mark Campbell will retire in November after 11 years on the job and close to four decades in fairgrounds management.
A number of upgrades have been completed at the fairgrounds under Campbell's leadership, including a $1.5 million infrastructure upgrade to the aging facility that began in 2014. A new roof was installed on the grandstand, new storm drains and utility lines were run through the midsection of the grounds and roads were paved both in front and back of the food court.
Four years ago another $1 million-plus improvement project added two new restroom facilities and a handicap-accessible entrance to the grandstand.
"We've gotten some things done," Campbell, 62, said, adding that the improvements were aimed at the "public's enjoyment and use of the facilities."
Campbell also worked to increase the year-round use of the Expo Building and Trade Center at the fairgrounds, as well as attendance at the annual Northwest Montana Fair, the centerpiece event of the facility.
"I feel like we've got a good setup in order," he said. "I've had a great team helping out on all fronts.
"I feel good that I'm leaving it with a good, solid team to move it forward," Campbell said. "Now it's time to step back and let someone else come in and bring new ideas."
WHEN CAMPBELL arrived in Kalispell from Monroe, Washington, where he managed the Evergreen State Fair, he told the Daily Inter Lake he had spent most of his life at fairs in one way or another. He recalled bunking down in the aisles and staying overnight in the barn where his prized beef cattle were housed at the county fairs of his youth.
After those early fair experiences, first as a 4-H and FFA member and then as an intern in fair management, Campbell's career segued into fair management when he was searching for a profession after working at various cattle ranches, and discovered that California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo was the only college in the country at that time that offered courses in fair management. He pursued it, and after completing fair management internships at the Yuba-Sutter Fair in Yuba City, Calif., and the Calgary Stampede in Alberta, Campbell was off and running and managing fairs.
Campbell's last day will be Nov. 26.
"I wanted to make sure they (county officials) have enough time to fulfill the [hiring] process," he said, adding that he "can be flexible if needed" to make sure there's a good transition to the next fairgrounds manager.
Running the fairgrounds during a pandemic has added extra challenges to Campbell's workload the past two years.
"Operating a public event facility during a pandemic is something that's been" uncharted water, he said. "We worked together as a group, a team and a community, trying to provide some sense of normalcy."
Campbell said he's looking forward to spending more time with family during his retirement.
"I want to find a bit more of a schedule that fits with the sunset years," he added.
News editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 406-758-4421 or lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.
