The Madison County Fairgrounds Improvement Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our role is to provide complete transparency to our donors and oversee all philanthropic gifts. We work in partnership with the Madison County Fair Board of Directors, the Fairgrounds Manager, and the Madison County Commissioners to maintain, improve, and preserve the Madison County Fairgrounds for future generations.
Preserve, promote, and support the Madison County Fairgrounds through grants, donations, fundraising, and planned giving. We drive community outreach and engagement by funding innovative, technology-enabled programs and equipment, and by sustaining and improving our fairground facilities. This will be achieved by building strategic partnerships with donors and raising capital.
VISION
Continuing the legacy of agriculture, recreation, education, and community gatherings by funding improvements to the Madison County Fairgrounds.
Our Fairgrounds support agricultural education, youth programs, emergency response, and community gatherings. As Madison County grows, the Fairgrounds serve an expanding range of people, programs, and purposes. Maintaining this space requires planning, investment, and community support to keep it safe, functional, and prepared for the future.
These commitments guide our decisions and help ensure that every project, partnership, and improvement supports the long-term care of the Madison County Fairgrounds and the community it serves.
Community & Family Focus
We steward the fairgrounds as a shared place that welcomes people of all ages and strengthens connections across the community.
Integrity & Transparency
We operate with accountability and care, honoring the trust placed in us through responsible decision-making and open communication.
Supporting Youth Education
We prioritize agricultural education and hands-on learning through programs that invest in the next generation, like 4-H and FFA.
Preserving Local Heritage
We protect the traditions and working heritage of Madison County while preparing the fairgrounds to serve future needs.
The Madison County Fairgrounds are situated on the west bank of the Beaverhead River in rural Southwestern Montana. The original Fairgrounds were once part of the Lott and Seidensticker homesteads, and in 1887, the grounds were called “The Park.” Today, the grounds cover 47 acres and are surrounded by untouched farmlands with easy access to Montana Highway 41. The Fairgrounds are owned by Madison County and are within the city limits of Twin Bridges. A volunteer Board of Directors supervises all business and operations, and a Fairgrounds Manager is responsible for managing daily activities and reporting to the County Commissioners. Each year, our Fairgrounds host a wide variety of private, community, state, and regional events, attracting approximately 75,000 to 100,000 visitors to Madison County. Every August, the annual Madison County Fair draws around 7,000 to 8,000 guests, making it the county’s largest community event. The fair acts as an economic driver by generating additional non-tax revenue that supports the operation of the Fairgrounds.
The Board of Directors for the Fairgrounds Improvement Foundation consists of seven volunteer members representing communities across Madison County. This board has elected officers to manage all operations in line with the approved Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation.
Kyle Nye
Board Member
Twin Bridges, MT
Support
Todd Nelson
Fair Board Liaison
Silver Star, MT
We’re currently looking to fill one or two board seats with experience in:
Fundraising coordination (helping organize donor outreach, sponsorships, and campaign support)
Marketing / outreach / communications (helping us tell the story clearly and consistently, across audiences)