My understanding is that of the 3 carnival choices in Montana, the Thomas Carnival is the only one to return a portion of its proceeds back to the Fair. Understandably so, the Fair board prefers to use them. Due to a schedule conflict, the carnival can not be here in it's entirety.
So the choice is to go with another carnival, at an increased cost, go with Thomas with the same Fair dates, but have a smaller carnival, or go with Thomas, change the dates and have a full carnival.
I don't know if it will be possible to have Thomas with our usual fair dates next year. I would say to the Fair board, if you can't go with Thomas next year, I would rather pay a bit more at the gates and go with an alternate carnival.
Liz Wheeler