Powell County closes down majority of Tri-County Fair activities; Helmville & golf still unaffected
DEER LODGE – The Powell County Board of Health issued a statement June 21 that closed down the majority of activities at the annual Tri-County Fair in Deer Lodge.
Lori Drumm, Powell County Health Officer, issued the letter that states, “After a thorough risk assessment, Powell County Public Health (PCPH) has determined that the 2020 Tri-County Fair, including all of its traditional events, is hereby canceled due to health and safety concerns associated with the COVID-19 Virus.”
PCPH did give an exception to those youth involved in the 4H animal show, judging and sales. Those events will be allowed to proceed but will be closed to the general public. Only group leaders, volunteers, participants with animal entries, immediate family members and judges will be allowed on the Powell County Fair Grounds for those activities.
Additionally, potential buyers will be allowed on site the day of the sale.
Drumm was also asked about the Helmville Rodeo and the Drummond Golf Tournament, two events that many Granite County residents attend in Powell County.
Drumm indicated that Montana Governor Mike Bullock is targeting Labor Day Weekend for the state’s progression to Phase 3 in its economic reopening. Both events fall on that weekend.
At last check the Helmville Rodeo was still scheduled for Sept. 6-7. Drumm stated that her office would address that event as it drew closer and would make decision based on data at that time.
Members of the Helmville Rodeo Committee have been hard at work preparing the rodeo grounds for this year’s event, including pouring the foundation for a new set of grandstands.
The Drummond Golf Tournament was given the go ahead, because as Drumm put it, “Golf, by nature, is a socially distanced sport. Minimal exceptions can be made to provide social distancing before and after the event.”
The tournament will be Sept. 5 at the Deer Park Golf Course and will benefit the Drummond CloseUp group.
