The Custer County Ag Society has been working on two specific projects in recent weeks to improve the fairgrounds for both those showing and those choosing to stay on the grounds. At the June 11 meeting of the Ag Society, a bid was accepted from Myers Construction to install 12 new campsites with electrical and water hookups. Those sites have now been completed, and according to a report on Sandhills Express, camping spots for the fair were nearly sold out within minutes of going on sale. The board agreed on a proposal implementing a new reservation program for the campsites, Campspot.com, which would manage the bookings at no cost.

Custer County Extension Educator Troy Walz reported to the board at the June meeting that this year’s fair will see the largest number of beef being shown since 2003. Walz anticipates 176 market beef, with several other animal showmanship categories also seeing an increase in numbers this year.

A final issue the board has acted on does not involve camping spots or livestock.

Rather, it centers on what has become a pretty hot-button topic recently in Broken Bow, of electronic bikes and scooters. The board agreed that, for the safety of the people and animals on the grounds during the fair, bikes and e-bikes will be banned in specific areas. Signs will be erected clearly displaying where the bikes are not allowed.