April 23, 2024

The ‘tradition’ continues

Union County Fair Board seeks to build on the success of its “Building on Tradition” capital campaign

By SARAH SCULL

Auctioneer Adam Ross, third from left, calls for bids on hand-painted barn signs which Union County Fair Board members rescued from the former facility and auctioned off during their annual "Building on Tradition" update and fundraiser event Wednesday evening. During the event, board members, pictured, from left, Jamie Travis, Ben Adamson and Chad Rieck, briefed donors on the status of their facility improvement plans, the fair grounds future use, and what the board hopes to achieve should it surpass its fundraising goals. (CNA photo)

Following the success of its initial capital campaign, the Union County Fair Board continues its “Building on Tradition” capital campaign for the fourth year.

During the board’s annual update and fundraiser Wednesday evening at that fairgrounds, Jamie Travis, Union County Fair board treasurer, gave a snapshot of the board’s current financial status to attendees. He said the loan is on track to be paid off in five years, but the board is still short $103,000 to cover its obligations. Despite this, board members hopeful as donations continue to come in and they are asking for the community’s continued support.

To acknowledge the individuals, businesses and organizations that have contributed to the “Building on Tradition” campaign to date, the fair board unveiled a new donor wall. Each brick was engraved by Kevin Irving and the brick wall was then laid by Dan Adamson. Future donors will continue to be added to the wall, which is prominently displayed inside the Iowa State Savings Bank Show Arena at the fairgrounds.

“We’re by no means content with stopping after two buildings,” said Chad Rieck, board member. “We have other structures ... We want to replace them, but we want to do it the right way.”

Rieck said the fairgrounds is still in need of a new small animal barn and hopes to continue to raise funds for updates to the facilities. At the event, Tim, Karen, Bob and and Jo Loudon, and Winfield United, donated the funds needed to finish the fundraising effort of Dee Weeda and the Friends of 4-H, which sought to have an overhead fan installed inside the ISSB Show Arena by the start of the Union County Fair.

On behalf of the the fair board, Rieck thanked those who have contributed and volunteered to benefit the facility, including 2017 Union County Fair Queen Macy Evans, who started the “Running on Tradition” 5K and Mud Run fundraiser, and Lilly James, who raised a few hundred dollars through a lemonade stand to support the cause.

When the board first announced the “Building on Tradition” campaign with the goal of $1.6 million, its main goal was to build two new buildings – one for cattle, the other for sheep and goats. However, their vision was also to build a multi-use facility that could be utilized year-round.

Ben Adamson, board member, highlighted the economic impact the fairgrounds has on Afton and Union County as a whole.

“From now until August, this place is going to be really busy,” Adamson said. “There’s going to be $1,000 people coming to Afton, Iowa, Aug. 9. That’s why this facility is here.”

The facility improvements have made the Union County Fairgrounds a premier facility, now being sought out by organizations – both in and out-of-state – to host animal shows, mounted shooting competitions, weddings and more.

Starting the weekend of March 7, the Union County Fairgrounds will host the Peyton Glynn Memorial Beef Show and Southwestern Community College’s Spartan Cattle Battle. Later in the month, Northwester Missouri State University will utilize the facility for its Block and Bridle Cattle Show. In May, Iowa Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association is hosting a shoot. Additionally, the All Iowa Shootout will be held at the Union County Fairgrounds every three years starting Aug. 8.

When asked if there’s still time to donate or donate more, the board says, “Yes.”

“There’s still a $75,000 spot left (on the wall),” Adamson said with a chuckle.

To view the fundraising levels and contribute to the "Building on Tradition" capital campaign, visit www.unioncountyfairiowa.com. Donations can mailed to Union County Fair Association, P.O. Box 283, Creston, IA 50801.