The new building at the fairgrounds has made some progress in recent weeks. Framing is nearly complete in the bathroom and kitchen areas inside, and members of the Fairground Development Fundraising Committee hope the building will be ready for use at the annual Howard County Fair this summer.

Over the summer, the HVAC system was installed the roof was completed.

The new building has been under construction for several years. The metal for the building was purchased just before the COVID-19 pandemic, before construction material prices soared. The slab was poured in November 2022.

Once completed, it will seat up to 500 people, feature a commercial kitchen, and have handicap-accessible bathrooms. The plan is to rent out the building for wedding receptions, youth events, family reunions, trade shows, and similar events.

“This dream and building have been in the works for many years and will provide an amazing resource for our county,” said Jinger Felten, committee member.

In the last seven months, donations in the amount of $10,000 were made by Central Methodist University and MFA Charitable Foundation, with another $5,000 from BTC Bank in Fayette. The committee is seeking additional funds to furnish the bathroom and kitchen areas, lay flooring, and install other interior finishing features. On the outside, a large gravel parking lot will lead to an awning over the front doors.

The building will also serve as an emergency shelter with power provided by the county’s generator.

“If you are interested in more information or would like to donate to help finish this project, please reach out to one of us on the Fairground Development Fundraising Committee,” Felten said. Members include Randy Hart, Felten, Sherri Dobson, Leigh Hilderbrand, Mindy Nation, Darrell Hendrix, and Joey Gibbs.