Update on Clark County Fairgrounds Revitalization Project
Tuesday, July 2nd, 2019 -- 12:06 PM
-The Clark County Fairgrounds Revitalization Committee has provided an update on the ongoing project.Clark County began making significant infrastructure and building improvements at the Fairgrounds in 2015. These improvements have received many positive comments and more work is planned this year and beyond. For 2019, the planned improvements include Jr. Dairy Barn electric upgrades, repainting the rabbit/poultry barn, LED lighting upgrades for the dining hall and fine arts building and miscellaneous beautification and landscaping projects. However, there are some challenges ahead regarding the fairgrounds. In recent years, lack of barn capacity during the fair has plagued the swine and beef barns. The 2019 fair is expected to see increased numbers of beef and pleasure horses, creating additional capacity issues. Llamas will be shown for the first time ever at the Clark County fair.
With most barns built more than 35 years ago and several in need of significant work in the near future, the time is right to begin addressing ongoing barn capacity and condition issues. But, there is a plan in place. Between 2012 and 2017, numerous meetings, workshops and visioning and planning sessions were conducted with stakeholders and the public to gather input and develop a strategic plan for the fairgrounds. The Clark County Fairgrounds Strategic Plan was completed in November 2017 and will guide future projects and expansion at the Fairgrounds. The Clark County Forestry and Parks Committee is committed to the implementation of this plan and the construction of two new buildings through a public and private partnership.
So, what’s next? In 2018, an initiative referred to as the Clark County Fairgrounds Revitalization Project began to address barn capacity and condition issues identified through the strategic planning process. A Fundraising Committee was established and fundraising began. Cash, pledges and in-kind donations of nearly $200,000 have already been committed. The goal is to raise $750,000 to construct a Multipurpose Livestock Barn and $900,000 for a Multipurpose Event Center. The Multipurpose Livestock Barn is priority with a goal to begin construction of this building following the 2020 fair.
If you’d like to contribute to the project, you can contact the Clark County Community Foundation, which is collecting the funds on behalf of the Revitalization Committee. There are options when it comes to donations including building naming rights, in-kind contributions, a donor wall plaque, fundraising events and more. The fairgrounds is the heart and soul of the county and the committee appreciates any support you can provide.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.