Exchange Bank of Missouri made a hefty donation toward the finishing of the new building at the Howard County Fairgrounds. The bank contributed $15,000 on Monday.

When finished, the building will seat up to 500 people and include a commercial kitchen and handicap-accessible bathrooms. Organizers plan to rent it for wedding receptions, family reunions, youth events, trade shows, and events during the annual Howard County Fair. It will also serve as an emergency shelter powered by the county’s generator.

Progress on the project has continued in recent months. Framing is complete in the bathroom and kitchen areas. The roof and HVAC system were installed last summer. The concrete slab was poured in November 2022.

The Fairground Development Association Fundraising Committee has actively sought donations from residents, businesses, and friends of Howard County. A contribution thermometer stands at the entrance to fairgrounds road.

The MFA Oil Foundation recently awarded a $5,000 grant to the Howard County Fairground Development Association to help pay for interior finishes for the new building.

The donation is the second by the MFA Oil Foundation toward the project in recent years.

“The MFA Oil Foundation is a great asset to MFA Oil Company and the areas we serve. Supporting organizations committed to improving communities and the quality of life goes hand in hand with our cooperative principles of giving back,” said MFA Oil Foundation Chairman James Greer.

The committee thanks all who have contributed so far, including recent gifts from Commercial Trust Co. and Jay Jacobs and his family, and earlier gifts of $10,000 from Central Methodist University and $5,000 from BTC Bank in Fayette.

Those interested in donating or learning more may contact committee members Randy Hart, Jinger Felten, Sherri Dobson, Leigh Hilderbrand, Mindy Nation, Darrell Hendrix, or Joey Gibbs.