GOING UP

Construction of two new, large fair barns at the Union County Fairgrounds is progressing smoothly, says Union County Fair Board Vice President Ben Adamson.

The new construction is part of what Adamson calls “Phase 1” of renovations the board plans to make to the Afton fairgrounds over the course of the next few years. After successfully raising $1.5 million as part of the fair’s “Building on Tradition” capital campaign, construction began immediately after the conclusion of last year’s fair.

“Which entailed tearing down the existing livestock barns,” said Adamson. “You know, the cattle, sheep, hog and small animals barns, and the existing show arena. We completed all the dirtwork and started building the new structures that are going up.

“Right now,” said Adamson, “we’re almost to a point where the new structures are totally enclosed in. So progress is going pretty good.

“Obviously,” continued Adamson, “mother earth kind of plays a role in how everything is going, but everything is going pretty smooth right now. You know, we hope to have it done around July or something — I mean I don’t want to throw a date out there, but sometime before the fair starts. Let’s just put it that way.”

The two new structures will take the place of the previous, smaller, wooden barns used for storing animals during the fair. According to the fair board, the historic structures are over 55 years old and are beyond economical repair. The new structures will not only meet the needs of the Union County Fair, but may be used for other potential events by the community.

The structure with open sides, facing west on South Grace Street, will be the new cattle barn, used to house and stall fair participants’ calves and cows. It will have a concrete perimeter and dirt floor with removable stalls, and will also be usable as a riding arena for horses.

The structure that runs east to west along East Filmore Street will be used to house the hogs and sheep, and will also be home to the fair’s new show arena. It is fully insulated, and will have shower stalls, restrooms and a new bleacher system.

Fundraising for this project and future projects is still going on. Those interested in contributing may mail donations to Union County Fair Association, PO Box 283, Creston, IA 50801.