Fairgrounds receives first donations toward planned improvement

Upgrades to the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds will depend on the charity of the community.

A charity account set up specifically for donations to improve the fairgrounds was approved in late July. Two donors have already stepped up for the initial donations. These donors will be honored for their contributions at 1 p.m. today at the livestock arena, before the auction.

Both are significant contributions, Connie Hancock of the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds Association said. She admits that it still won't be enough to pay for all the upgrades her group would like to see at the fairgrounds.

"We'll take all the money we can get," Hancock said.

These initial donors, both presented as memorial funds, had already indicated interest in donating, but were waiting for the account charity account to be approved.

The fair association set up a display of possible plans at the fairgrounds for the public to view. This display is paired with the group's wish list of future improvements and a mock up of possible buildings alongside a box for community suggestions.

Hancock has heard, from quite a few people who spend time at the fairgrounds, that many think the facility sorely in need of improvements.

"From a 4-H perspective, we need new livestock facilities that are safe for viewers," Hancock said.

The association must also consider the future needs of the community as well, Hancock added. Her team will be creating a business plan in the near future, and after that the group will come up with a drawing of more definite plans. It hopes that this fund will decrease the amount of tax dollars that have to be spent on fair grounds projects.

Some future goals for the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds Association are to create an atmosphere that is inviting to many different types of activities and events, to facilitate an environment that creates more interest in participation in the county fair and to have a facility that can sustain itself.

Some of those who have to deal with the aging facilities at the fairgrounds feel very positively about the prospect of some new structures.

"I think they should go for it," said Wyatt McMillen, a 16 year old 4-H member. "I think the beef and horse barns are old and need repair."

McMillen showed animals in both the horse and beef categories this year. New barns would provide more room, McMillen said, and might encourage more people to get involved in 4-H. McMillen's family is donating one of the memorial funds to be announced today.

Other 4-H members agree that new barns would make cleaning up after animals a much easier job.

"I would like new barns," said Kelsey Waite, a 17 year old 4-H member. "I don't like the sand and they're falling apart."

New barns with concrete floors could be washed down instead of scooped out, Waite added. Waite showed a steer at this year's fair.

"That makes barn duty a lot easier," Waite said. "It'd be nice."

Some of the fair association's wishes might seem lofty, but seeing them to fruition is all dependant on community donations. Some of their dreams include an enclosed arena large enough for rodeos, new facilities for livestock with more space for the animals, an area for other exhibits nearby the livestock facilities, a certified kitchen for caterers and fair vendors and some sort of outside meeting space.

Hancock's team is trying to research all options thoroughly before deciding what direction to take with the projects.