The construction and completion of the Logan County Fair’s new state-of-the-art show arena was a labor of love in many different ways, Fair Board President Christie Barns told attendees Sunday during a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting for the new facility that will serve many new generations of exhibitors.
She said the during the past three weeks, Logan County Fair Board members literally were at the site for 24 hours a day to ensure that the open air space of just slightly under 12,000 square feet would be ready for the 170th Logan County Fair that takes place throughout this week.
“They were working here from morning to night and overnight,” she said. “I can’t express how grateful we are for all of their assistance and how excited we are to be able to finally use this new facility.
“The look on some of the children’s faces when they stepped in here today has said it all — they can’t believe that this is here and it’s ‘theirs.’”
Fundraising efforts have taken shape in recent years to generate the $262,511 raised thus far for the project. Donations are still being accepted for finishing touches to the arena, with a total fundraising goal of $340,000.
Last fall, the Logan County Commissioners provided $100,000 toward the effort, and a number of local businesses and families have made contributions as well, and their names are listed on a banner in the show arena.
Barns said the recent in-kind donations received for the facility have been “absolutely amazing” as well.
“Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough,” she said. “Anything we needed, from a bucket of this to a bucket of that, we had so many generous people and businesses that were happy to help and provide the items at no charge.
“It has taken a great amount of time and labor to get to this point, both manual labor and brain power. It’s been a true work of the heart.”
The previous show arena in the same location on the fairgrounds dated to around 1970, and was no longer safe for use, representatives previously said.
Other local officials spoke at the ceremony as well, highlighting the upcoming opportunities at the space and expressing appreciation to those behind the scenes.
“Congratulations to everyone involved in the construction of this beautiful new facility,”
Logan County Commissioner Joe Antram said. “The Junior Fair Board and Senior Fair Board have undertaken a wonderful project.”
“This is a tremendous project that you have put together,” fellow County Commissioner John Bayliss agreed.
Logan County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ben Vollrath said with the agricultural industry being so vitally important to Logan County, the new building will provide agricultural opportunities for youths to build upon for their future careers.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the generations that will benefit from this facility now and in the future,” he said.
Following the fair, work will be performed to add insulation and liner to the walls of the show arena and also to finish up some of the electrical work, the fair board president said.
In addition, Barns noted that on the organization’s “wish list” if the $340,000 fundraising goal is met includes permanent bleachers/seating, as the bleachers in the building this week are from other locations on the fairgrounds, along with permanent audio/visual equipment and big screen monitors to showcase the action in the arena.