Construction expected this spring at new fairgrounds

It’s been half a year since the Jackson County 4-H Fair came to its final close at the old fairgrounds at the intersection of U.S. Highway 75 and Kansas Highway 16 in Holton, and Jackson County Fair Association board president Aaron Allen expressed amazement at how quickly the old livestock barns were replaced by a new Casey’s General Store.

“They really got it put up in a hurry,” said Allen, who noted he had yet to pay a visit to the new convenience store.

With the new Casey’s up and running, and the former Jackson County Fair Building having been turned over to Holton USD 336, the Fair Association is now refocusing its attention on the Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex, the new home of the Jackson County Fair. The fair board also continues to work on selling the remaining parcels of land that make up the old fairgrounds.

Allen said infrastructure — water, sewer and electricity — is now in place at the Heritage Complex, located two miles south of Holton. The next building to be constructed there, he added, will be the “big livestock building,” near the small exhibit building and livestock arena.

“It’s due to be delivered on March 1 and erected by May 1,” he said of the new livestock barn. “That’s pretty quick.”

Concerning the old fairgrounds, the livestock arena where 4-Hers from the county’s clubs showed their cattle, hogs and sheep still stands for now. Allen said the arena is due to be removed by the end of March.

Three parcels of land remain for sale at the old fairgrounds, including two tracts located between the new Casey’s and Fifth Street, north of the store, and the third located on the east side of Dakota Avenue, where the old rabbit and poultry building is presently located. Allen noted that fair board members have received “a few bites” in regard to selling the rest of the land.

“We’re working on it,” he said.

The main week of the 2015 Jackson County Fair is scheduled from Monday, July 27 to Friday, July 31, it was reported. Other fair events for this year include the horse show on Saturday, July 18, and the dog show on Saturday, July 11; pre-fair entries are due Wednesday, July 1. 

Allen also noted that anyone with further questions about the old fairgrounds or the Heritage Complex is encouraged to contact a member of the fair board. 

The Holton Recorder

109 W. Fourth St.
Holton, KS 66436
Phone: 785-364-3141
 

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