Crowd overflow at fairground proves need for proposed new facility

Thursday, July 22, 2010

By BETH SINDEN
Editorial Assistant

It is clear why members of the fair board have proposed new multi-purpose livestock facility to replace the goat and swine barns.

At the Junior Fair Goat show held on Tuesday afternoon one could witness how such a facility would be wonderful for animals, showmen and onlookers alike.

Competitors entered the ring to find a mob. The bleachers were full on both sides of the ring. Crowds of people stood at the end of the ring, while the overflow filled the hill on the east side.

In the blistering hot sun, goats were led from their barn across a busy roadway full of fair goers, strollers, golf carts, wheel chairs and the occasional car or truck. There was a small canopied area outside the ring and one across the road in front of the barn for the entrants to stand under, out of the hot sun, waiting for their turns to show. The classes were rather rushed getting into and out of the ring, making it hectic for the young people and animals. The safety of the participants and their animals was compromised by the chaotic scene.

“The continual growth of the meat goat project has over-filled our barn. Yesterday there were 139 market goats shown, compared to nine years ago when there were only 60. A new, bigger building would make it possible for more growth and to have sanctioned shows, which would draw more income into the community and get Crawford County’s name out to all the other states,” said Matt Rudd, Goat Department advisor during a telephone interview on Wednesday.

The following is part of a bulletin read at the show:

“A fund has been established in cooperation with a private donor to build a new multi-purpose livestock facility on the grounds where the old goat barn and maintenance barn currently stand in less than optimal condition. The benefits of the proposed 100’x 200’ steel building are immeasurable. Not only will the facility house goats, hogs and llamas, but it will also provide opportunities for open class shows, farm and agricultural expos, state-wide livestock shows and sales, home and garden shows, flea markets and farmer’s markets, DARE rallies, auctions and winter storage. The building will also be safer and more eco-friendly than current facilities.

The official cost of the building has not yet been determined, but an estimation of $300,000 - $350,000 has been set for materials, labor and pens. Funds raised that exceed the cost of the building will not contribute to any fair operating costs – financial surplus will go directly to an endowment fund held by the Bucyrus Area Community Foundation for maintenance for the entire fairgrounds. Finances will be handled by Projects, Inc.

All county community members are invited to participate in the effort. Contributions and support will benefit the fair both now and in the future. Participating donors will receive recognition that will be preserved in the new facility.

Donations of any value are welcome and greatly appreciated. For more information or to find out how you can help, visit the Fair Board Office during fair week, July 18 – July 24, or call (419) 562-7936. Informational fliers and donation envelopes will be readily available.

You can make a difference in the future of the Crawford County Fair. Care for your fair.”