Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Marty McMillen, Chair of the Pavilion Committee tours the new 100 by 200 ft. 4-H exhibit building with the Sun-Telegraph, Wednesday.
Just in time for fair, construction on Sidney's new livestock exhibit barn, the Pavilion, is almost complete.
According to Susan Luehrs-Narjes, a contributor to the pavilion project group said, "the Cheyenne County Pavilion structure construction is officially completed with ADA compliance measures and a sprinkler system to be installed in the near future."
Constructed with strong, durable, low maintenance materials, said Narjes, the building will provide usage into the future centuries.
The steel structure is 100 ft. by 200 ft. equaling 20,000 total square footage,it includes four large overhead doors, six double egress doors, 18ft. walls with top skylight panels and arena dirt floor.
"The potential now goes beyond housing animals and livestock shows at County Fair," said Narjes.
Upon completion, the Cheyenne County Fair Board along with and under the jurisdiction of the Cheyenne County Commissioners will oversee the building, and discussions of the pavilion being open for the public to rent is in the works.
According to Narjes, the Pavilion project began in January of 2013 when two long time 4-H members and Fair supporters, Ron McMillen and Elberne Luehrs families designated their memorials to replacing the deteriorated livestock barns.
"Marty and I not only represent our families, but the countless families and individuals that value the positive impact of the 4-H program over the last 100 years and have a passion to provide that legacy and opportunity for the future Cheyenne County youth," Narjes said.
Concepts for the pavilion project began to bloom as supporters came on board. McMillen stepped to the plate to chair the Pavilion Committee consisting of Narjes, who coordinated fund raising and writing grants, Troy Kurz, who coordinated the construction and engineering side, as well as Kim Castner and Gordy Stitt who assisted in the fund raising efforts.
McMillen said the exhibit building may be one of the only county buildings funded primarily by private donations. Funding also cam in the forms of grants and insurance claims on the previous buildings.
Narjes said, "fund raising was channeled through The Cheyenne County Fund affiliated with the Nebraska Community Foundation and The Cheyenne County Visitors Committee was a huge promoter as well as many individuals, families and business who are vested in the program and see the potential of the Pavilion.
Cheyenne County 4-H program currently has 364 members and over 150 projects from robotics to design to entomology.
Excitement is building in the 4-H community as multiple 4-H events now have a home. Events to be held at the new building include, Cheyenne County Fair Livestock Housing & Show, shooting sports and archery, indoor winter Horse events, livestock jackpot, livestock judging and workshops, dog programs, and small animal shows.
Donations are still needed to expand and add amenities to the building said Narjes, large circulating fans and individual small animal pens would help to complete the building, and fundraising will continue through the fair.
"All contributors will be recognized on the Honor Wall inside the building," Narjes said.
Contributors can address donations to the Cheyenne County Fund c/o 2778 Ft. Sidney Rd., Sidney NE. or address information questions to [email protected].
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