Once the state signs off on the details work will commence on the new Goat Barn at the Williams County Fairgrounds. The Fair Board awarded the contract for construction and site prep to Siebenaler Construction and the electrical work to Craig Vogel. The construction bid was $63,810 and the electrical work was $6,800. The construction bid may go higher if it is determined the fair has to have concrete walkways for the barn. That could add $6,500 to the bill.
“Construction is waiting on the permit,” Board President Dave Page said.
A separate effort will be to purchase 86 pens for the barn. The pens will cost another $25,000. Page asked for and received support to secure a short-term note to cover the pens. The debt would be repaid after the fair ends, he said.
Local 4-H groups are working on raising money for the pens and whatever they raise will be paid to the note.
In other news:
Admission for Thursday (Sept. 14) of the fair this year will be free as local beef, pork and dairy producers will pick up the tab, Board Vice President Alan Bennett said. The day will be known as “Commodities Day,” he said.
The meat and dairy producers hope the free gate will bring people back to the fair for the many 4-H events in the hopes of boosting participation, Bennett said.