MILLERSBURG, Ohio — A major construction project is under way in Holmes County. Officials plan to break ground for a new fairgrounds and agricultural center April 17.
Farm and Dairy will have a full story on the new fairgrounds and ag center online at www.farmanddairy.com and in next week’s print edition.
The present fairgrounds, located at the western end of Millersburg along state Route 39, has been plagued by flooding for decades. The new grounds — located at 8990 Township Road 301, just south of state Route 39 and less than a mile west of Millersburg — will offer major relief and the opportunity to hold new events.
The center consists of more than 80 acres, with 50-plus donated from a partnership with area businessman and Weaver Leather CEO Paul Weaver.
The first building will be the William T. Baker Building, which will provide 9,600 square feet of mainly warehouse space to house supplies for the county’s Share- A- Christmas charity, which provides donated food and gifts to needy families.
The building will house fair offices and displays during the fair — a week-long event in August. It received a $200,000 donation from area businessman Bill Baker, for whom it is being named.
Project Manager Tom Wilke said the land will be graded follow the groundbreaking, and he hopes all fair buildings will be in place by 2014. It is possible the fair will be held on the new grounds in 2013, if tents can be erected over the foundations of buildings.
A multipurpose exhibition hall also is being planned, which is expected to be complete by 2015.
The fairgrounds has generated a lot of support from 4-H youth, county officials and residents, and parties interested in using the new facilities throughout the year.
The ground breaking ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. and is open to the public.
