NIOBRARA COUNTY - The Niobrara County Fairgrounds Foundation has been a vital financial node to the Niobrara County Fairgrounds Board for over three years now.

The Foundation’s goal has been to raise money through various fundraisers during the year. Their biggest fundraiser will be coming in November with the “Boots and Bling” gala. This event will be held on the second Saturday in November. The event is for attendees age 18 years or older. Tickets can be purchased from any foundation member or can be bought at the door.

According to Twila Barnette, the president of the foundation, “Boots ad Bling” is the foundations biggest fundraiser of the year. During the “Boots and Bling” gala, there are many items that are either openly or silently auctioned off. There is a dinner and a dance.

“It’s just something where we can all get dressed up and go out to,” Barnette said.

The Fairgrounds Foundation began three years ago to help supplement funds for the fairgrounds board.

“We were asked to be a supportive unit to the fair board to help raise money because budgets are very tight,” Barnette said.

“We truly appreciate the support from the community and from everyone,” said foundation member Shawna Glendy. “Everybody has just been amazing.”

Foundation member Teri Stephens added that the foundation wanted to let everyone know where their donations have gone.

Through the foundation’s fundraising, money has been available to procure a commercial refrigerator for the kitchen, a hot water heater, a wireless mic, a sound system for the auditorium, a heavy duty picnic tables for the pavilion, a new sound system for the grandstand, an air conditioning for the kitchen, and table carts. Recently, the foundation was able to purchase a full color outdoor marquee board and new parking lot of lights.

The foundation wanted to say a special thank you to Neil Holmes for installing the sign and donating the use of his equipment.

Ron Nelson, the Niobrara County Fairgrounds Board chairman told the Herald, “It really is all the foundation that has helped the fairgrounds out. Without their help, we wouldn’t have been able to afford the things that we needed. They’re a lifesaver.”

“We’ve replaced our refrigerators and stove and they have done other things like the new lights and sign,” Nelson added.

“Our fairground budget is very minimal. So, a lot of these big projects we couldn’t have done without them [the foundation]. We could not cover these major projects like the indoor and outdoor sound system for the arena. Since then and we’ve had big things are happening,” said Tandy Dockery, the vice chairwoman of the fairground board.

According to Dockery, the fairgrounds generate revenue by renting the building. Additionally, the Niobrara County Commissioners contributes part of a mill levy. Dockery told the Herald that the utilities at the fairgrounds cost over $20,000 year. It is here that the foundation comes in to help support the fairgrounds with major projects.

“When we have a need at the fairgrounds, it is usually a major need,” Dockery said.

“Between the sign and parking lights, people are so excited. We’ve needed the parking lights for a long time. And actually, the sign was Neil Holmes’ idea many, many years ago. We had looked into it, but at that time, we could not afford the sign. So, the foundation was able to do that,” Dockery said. “We told Neil and he donated his time and his equipment to install the sign and the parking lights. So, it was kind of a group project.”

According to Nelson and fellow board member and secretary of the board Teri Goddard, the fairgrounds is not just the hub of Niobrara County. They are also known as a really good spot for those that would be traveling through town with large animals such as horses. Travelers can leave their money in a drop box.

“We are one of the better fairgrounds around that allows people to come in and have their animals overnight,” Goddard said.

“This time of year, Rapid City, South Dakota is having their junior rodeo. And all week, we’ve had people come through and stop overnight,” Nelson said.

The fairgrounds host a variety of events throughout the year. For the first time this year, there was a junior rodeo. There was also the Legend of Rawhide Pageant and the “Boots and Bling” gala. The annual Christmas Bazaar will be held in December. The main building’s calendar is always booked with private or public events. Many people throughout Niobrara County have used the main building for weddings. It has also been used for all the Niobrara 4-H events and, of course, the Niobrara County Fair which is held at the end of July.

“Our center is the hub of the community,” Dockery said. “On our board in the past, we have had Corky Fosher, Taylor Barnette, Andrew Hester, who have all had a start when the foundation first started.”

The Niobrara County Fairgrounds Foundation (NCFF) was formed in 2021.  A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation, the NCFF helps maintain and develop the Niobrara County Fairgrounds for current and future activities. The NCFF’s goal is to provide a contribution platform for designated gifts, memorial donations and sponsorships. It also raises money through multiple fundraising activities each year.

A recently released printed statement from all of the foundation members said, “Thanks to YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS, the Niobrara County Fairgrounds Foundation has been able to help the Fair Board’s wish list with the following items that have been completed! We all believe that our Fairgrounds is a facility that not only provides for events, but also for emergency situations.  It is our ‘community center!’  We know there are hundreds of people that use this facility every year and the upkeep is important and crucial.  This facility is a show piece and an asset to Niobrara County and needs to continue to be utilized and maintained at the highest possible standard.”  

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Niobrara County Fairgrounds Foundation can send their contribution to P.O. Box 210, Lusk, Wyoming, 82225 or deposited at Lusk State Bank. Donations can also be dropped off at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds.