Cascade County Commissioners approved a $30,000 contract with TD&H Engineering during their Sept. 8 meeting for the structural evaluation of about 13 structures at Montana Expo Park.

The local firm was the lone bidder.

Many of the buildings the county is evaluating are older structures and before officials invest more funding into repairs, renovations, improvements or upgrades, staff wanted to determine the current structural condition of each building.

Little Shell hosting Indian Relays this summer at Expo Park

“The purpose of these evaluations is to determine the current structural condition of each building and identify which structures are considered structurally sound, which may require significant repairs or upgrades, and which may be beyond economical repair and should be considered for replacement or demolition,” according to the staff report presented by Les Payne, county public works director.

The contract includes evaluating eight barns identified by letters, as well as test, beef, poulty/rabbit, pony/mini horses, harvest and other buildings that may be added to the list as determined by public works.

Horse racing at Montana Expo Park canceled for 2026 season

“The county is currently evaluating long-term development and facility planning options for the fairgrounds,” and conducting the structural assessments as part of that process, according to a bidding document.

The scope of work, according to the agenda documents, includes:

• conduct on-site inspections of about 13 barns and support buildings
• visually evaluate the structural integrity of each, including, but not limited to:
  • foundations
  • load-bearing walls
  • roof framing systems
  • columns, beams and trusses
  • overall structural stability
• identify visible structural deficiencies, deterioration, settlement, rot, corrosion, or safety concerns
• determine whether each structure is:
  • structurally sound and suitable for continued use
  • suitable for repair or rehabilitation
  • not economically feasible for repair, or
  • recommended for demolition and replacement
• provide a written report for each structure, with photos and findings
• provide an overall summary identifying recommended priorities for repair, replacement or demolition
• where feasible, provide general recommendations regarding roof replacement projects and whether such investment is warranted based on the condition of the underlying structure

Last year, the county did about $2.4 million worth of roof repair projects at Expo Park with federal COVID-relief funds.

County Commission approves Expo Park roof contract change [2025]

The county contracted with AT-Klemens in January 2024 for installation of multiple roofs at Expo Park.

The original contract amount was $2,218,000, with several change orders during the project.

County approves contract for Expo Park roof replacement project [2024]

During a May 26 meeting between Payne and county commissioners, they discussed damage to the pony barn roof near the racing area.

Commissioner Joe Briggs said they needed to evaluate the barn’s stability before putting on a new roof.

He said they needed to consider the broader use of Expo Park if horse racing’s future in Great Falls wasn’t guaranteed.

In May, the Great Falls Turf Club announced it was canceling horse racing for the 2026 season at the fair, but was making plans to return for the 2027 season.

Briggs said commissioners had tasked Susan Shannon, Expo Park manager, with looking at how many barn buildings are needed for other livestock events, such as rodeo, and where they’re best located to potentially open up commercial space.

If usage of the track were to cease, Briggs said in May they’d discuss how to make good use of the 133 acres that have been locked in position because of the track.

He said they could be making better use of the grandstands for outdoor concerts, which had been previously considered, and look at getting a trailer stage for use at the facility.

“It just opens up a lot of possibilities,” Briggs said in May. “I view this as an opportunity,” if horse racing doesn’t return to the fairgrounds.