Boy Scout Troop 141's Fair Booth

Boy Scout Troop 141's contribution to the Richland County Fair began with a modest portable structure, measuring just 8x6 feet with a 6-ft. ceiling. The troop would set up the booth for the fair's four days and then would haul it away until the following year. Despite its humble beginnings, the menu was initially tiny, limited to candy, pop, and popcorn due to the building's size. However, in 1993, everything changed thanks to the generosity of former member Cliff Larson, who provided the necessary seed money to pour concrete and enable the troop to build a permanent structure where it now stands, greatly expanding the possibilities for what they could offer at the fair. One of the features that makes the booth unique compared to other booths is its double-sided serving window. There is a serving window not only on the grandstand side but also on the midway side, providing easy access for both grandstand and midway traffic.

With the unwavering support of several dedicated parents, including Ron Gebhardt, Jay Pfau, Russ Markwald, Stan Rosaaen, Brad Carroll, and Larry Garman, as well as the dedicated Boy Scouts, led by Shawn Markwald, Chris Barone, Craig Gebhardt, Nick Gebhardt, Erik Carroll, Jeremy Pfau and Travis Rosaaen, a permanent structure took shape. This team effort transformed the modest booth into the substantial building that it is today, showcasing the community's spirit and commitment to excellence.

Over the years since 1993, the structure has seen a few changes and additions that have shaped it into the impressive building it is today. In 1998, cotton candy was added to the menu, providing attendees with a delightful treat. In the early 2000s, Sidney Sugars began generously donating locally grown sugar to the troop, allowing them to proudly say that all cotton candy was sourced from local sugar. The Boy Scouts are grateful for Sidney Sugars' consistent donations over the years and extend a heartfelt thanks for their support.

For Boy Scout Troop 141, the fair booth is of utmost importance as it is the sole source of income for the entire year. The revenue earned through the booth eliminates the need for the troop to solicit donations from local businesses or engage in any other fundraising efforts throughout the year. The current menu offers a variety of delectable items, including all-beef hot dogs, nachos, pop, lemonade and tea, popcorn, and the ever-popular cotton candy.

The dedicated members of Boy Scout Troop 141 spin approximately 1,200 lbs. of sugar each fair and sell an astonishing 4,000 bags of cotton candy over the course of the four-day Richland County Fair! The booth is open from 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. each night, and the entire troop, alongside some extremely committed parents and siblings, works tirelessly to ensure that fair-goers enjoy the best cotton candy and food the fair has to offer. This booth wouldn't be possible without the invaluable effort and hard work from everyone involved.

With Scoutmaster David Christensen and Assistant Scoutmasters Leif Halvorson, Cedric Halvorson, and Casey Christensen at the helm, Boy Scout Troop 141 stands strong under their leadership. A dedicated Troop Committee supports the troop in their endeavors. If you know of a boy between the ages of 12 and 17 who is interested in joining, don't hesitate to contact David Christensen at 406-489-7502.