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TOM BERRY/Ledger & Times
Steve Mobley, fourth from right, director of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Fairs and Shows program, presents a ceremonial $100,000 check to Fair Board Past President Jerry McCoy, third from right, during a visit to the Kentucky Farm Bureau office Wednesday afternoon. The event was also attended by state and local public officials. |
$200,000 expansion project planned for fairgrounds
By TOM BERRY
Staff Writer
A $200,000 expansion project that will include construction of a new multi-purpose building at the Calloway County Fairgrounds soon will not only give the facility an attractive facelift, but also provide room for additional fair attractions and exhibits.
Steve Mobley, director of Fairs and Shows for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, delivered a ceremonial $100,000 check to Murray-Calloway County Fair Association Past President Jerry McCoy and other board members during a visit to the Kentucky Farm Bureau office Wednesday afternoon.
The funding will be matched equally with fair board contributions and used to renovate or convert existing buildings for expanded or additional uses as a multi-purpose facility for fair attractions.
McCoy said the project would greatly improve the kind and number of programs that can be offered at the site in the future.
“We're trying to change some of the older buildings that we've been using at the fairgrounds. We've had to tear down some of them because they were getting rickety and dangerous, but we still need the facilities for 4-H and FFA and different things like that during the fair,” he said.
McCoy said the fairground's newest building, the Farmers Market-Murray Calloway County pavilion, is just the first stage of new construction that will upgrade the facility.
“This funding will help us add onto the end of that building for construction of a new meeting room for the young kids and different people that want to use it in the community for 4-H and various things like that. We'll also be able to use that during the fair for our exhibits and different things,” McCoy said.
According to a news release from the fair board, the current merchant barn/meeting room will be converted into an animal pen and storage facility. The planned multi-purpose facility that will be constructed will include a fair patron office, and exhibit area, as well as a kitchen and conference/ meeting area. Also, bleachers and a panel/gate system will be installed in the livestock area.
Mobley said the grant is just one example of state taxpayer money coming back to the local community.
“We feel like this is one of the best things that we can do; get some of your tax dollars that you sent to Frankfort back here to Murray,” Mobley said. “This is your money coming back to serve your people right here at home.”
Mobley commended fair board volunteers for their efforts in providing quality facilities.
“You know just about everybody is a volunteer that is involved in this county fair program,” Mobley said. “You have given of your time and your effort because you believe in Murray and Calloway County and improving things at home.”
Mobley said the actual check will be presented to the fair board in the near future. Those attending the ceremonial check presentation include Sen. Ken Winters and Rep. Melvin Henley, County Judge-Executive Larry Elkins, magistrates Connie Morgan, Bobby Stubblefield and Johnny Gingles, other fair board members, County Agriculture Extension Agent Todd Powell, Lance Allison, director of the Murray Calloway County Chamber of Commerce and others.
Story created Oct 30, 2008 - 10:29:18 EDT.
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