Members of the Howard County Fairgrounds Development Association received a $10,000 grant from the MFA Charitable Foundation to fund the construction of bathroom facilities in the new building at the fairgrounds.

The construction of the new metal building has progressed significantly. The slab has been poured, walls have been erected, and the roof is currently being installed. Although the building is not yet complete, it will be operational during the Howard County Fair next month, where the annual Queen contest is scheduled to take place.

Approximately $147,000 has been invested in the new building, which will eventually accommodate up to 500 people. The vision for this metal building has been in place since 2003, and association members have been diligently working to secure the necessary funding. Labor has been generously donated by Larry and Warren Schlotzhauer, who have also provided construction services through their company, MidState Builders.

It is estimated that an additional $250,000 will be required to complete the building. This funding will cover the installation of air conditioning, a kitchen, interior walls, and flooring. Once completed, the building will serve as a venue for the fair and various organizations, such as the 4-H Club. It will also be available for rent for weddings and other special occasions.

In addition, the building is designed to function as an emergency shelter and staging area in the event of a local disaster, such as a tornado, and will be connected to the county’s generator.

In addition to the bathroom facilities, other notable developments at the fairgrounds include the installation of 12 RV hookups, which will soon be equipped with water and a dump station. There are also early plans for additional RV utilities and a trap shooting range.

The 2025 Howard County Fair will be held from Monday, June 23, through Sunday, June 29. Regular features of the fair, such as the Queen and Prince and Princess contests, the tractor pull, rodeo, water slide, and animal showings and contests, will return.

Detailed information and signup forms for the fair are available on the fair’s website, HoCoMoFair.com.