There’s a certain magic to the Northwest Montana Fair—a blend of tradition, celebration, and shared history that makes it more than just an event. For many in the Flathead Valley, the Fair is a place where memories are made and community pride shines. Now, helping to preserve that legacy and shape its future is Kelsi Hansberry, the new Event Sponsorship Coordinator at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.
Kelsi brings both hometown heart and professional vision to her role. “I get to help plan every little detail of the Fair and our events,” she says. “But more importantly, I’m working to rebuild the bridge between the Fairgrounds and the community.” Her passion lies in reigniting the pride and nostalgia many locals associate with the Fairgrounds while laying the foundation for long-term growth and engagement.
As Event Sponsorship Coordinator, Kelsi’s work goes far beyond arranging advertising placements. Her focus is on cultivating meaningful partnerships that support and sustain the Fairgrounds. “Sponsorships are community investments,” she explains. “My job is to connect with businesses and organizations—whether large or small—that believe in what the Fair represents. Then I tailor opportunities that align with their goals and budgets.”
These relationships are designed to deliver value on both sides. From small businesses seeking local exposure to corporations looking to deepen their community presence, sponsors receive visibility and engagement that last well beyond fair week. “When sponsors see tangible returns in connection and recognition, they stay with us—and that consistency is how we grow,” Kelsi adds.
She’s also thinking bigger, contributing to ongoing improvement efforts across the grounds. One initiative close to her heart is the new “Adopt a Building” program, which allows sponsors to directly support the upkeep of beloved Fairgrounds structures while linking their name to the legacy. With major upgrades already underway—like the new North Bleachers, which will seat 1,600 guests and include ADA-accessible ramps—there are more sponsorship opportunities than ever before. Built in partnership with A&E Design, Mountain Trades Contracting, and Bleachers International, the bleachers are expected to be ready ahead of the 2025 Fair. “These aren’t just updates,” Kelsi says. “They’re investments meant to last another hundred years.”
This year’s Fair theme, Together We Are Montana’s Best, is more than a slogan—it’s a guiding philosophy. “The Fair brings everyone together,” says Kelsi. “4-H kids, families, ranchers, food vendors, local businesses—it’s one of the few places where our entire valley comes to celebrate who we are.” That spirit of unity extends to the Fairgrounds’ partnership with the Flathead Fairgrounds Heritage Foundation, which is hosting a Kentucky Derby Watch Party & Fundraiser on May 3 at the Expo Building. The event—featuring mint juleps, a Road Apple Raffle, live auctions, and best-dressed contests—is equal parts celebration and preservation.
For those looking to support the Fairgrounds—whether by sponsoring an event, adopting a building, or simply sharing a good idea—Kelsi welcomes the conversation. “There’s never a bad time to stop in and say hello,” she says. “Let’s make the Fair bigger, better, and more connected than ever.”
Because here in Flathead County, Together We Are Montana’s Best—and the Fair is where that spirit shines brightest.