Missoula Police Provide Safety Tips for Western Montana Fair

MISSOULA — The Missoula Police Department will maintain a presence throughout the Western Montana Fair, which runs Aug. 5-10 with free admission daily, offering both security and community engagement opportunities for fairgoers.

The fair operates from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 5-9 and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 10.

Officers will patrol the Missoula County Fairgrounds daily and will be stationed near the Security Office, according to a department announcement. The department is encouraging families to stop by their booth to meet officers and collect promotional items.

“Bring your kids over to our booth to meet our officers and grab some MPD swag! We love connecting with our community,” the department stated in their announcement.

The department has issued several safety recommendations for families attending the fair, particularly focused on preventing child separation incidents.

Parents should photograph their children upon arrival at the fair, according to police guidance. Having a recent picture of what children are wearing can help officers reunite families more quickly if separation occurs.

The department also recommends writing phone numbers on children’s hands or arms with marker as an additional safety measure.

“It washes off easily but could make all the difference in getting your child back to you faster,” officers noted.

Other safety recommendations include:

• Discussing a plan with children before entering the fair about what to do if they become lost
• Teaching children to look for police officers or uniformed fair staff if separated
• Establishing a designated meeting spot
• Visiting the Security Office, which doubles as the fair’s Lost & Found

The Security Office is located at a window on the left side of the fairgrounds, police said.

The fair has two parking areas: one lot for ADA parking at the Stephens Avenue entrance and public parking at the Russell Street entrance. Public parking opens at 7 a.m. daily.

Pets are prohibited during the fair, though service animals are permitted in designated areas. Service animals are excluded from certain locations including the east and west end general admission seating of the Clouse Bauer Arena, Llama Barn, and poultry and rabbit exhibits.

The department emphasized their dual role during the event, serving both security and community engagement functions.

“We are here if you need us! AND we’re always happy to see you even if you don’t. Have fun, stay safe, and we’ll see you at the fair,” the announcement concluded.