DSB donation challenge nets $216K for new fairgrounds
The Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex received a big boost in support after a total of $216,000 was donated by community members and businesses during a dollar-for-dollar matching event sponsored by Denison State Bank.
DSB leaders challenged county residents to donate to the new fairgrounds, which are located just south of Holton off of U.S. Highway 75 on 214th Road, by agreeing to match donations up to $100,000. The challenge ran throughout the month of December.
More than 120 families, individuals, organization and businesses made $116,000 in donations during the challenge, it was reported.
Mike Day, DSB president, and Jim Birkbeck, chairman of the bank board, presented a $100,000 check to Aaron Allen, Jackson County Fair Association president, on Friday morning at the exhibit hall at the new fairgrounds.
“First of all, I want to say thank you to the individuals and businesses for their donations,” Day said. “Their support made this $100,000 matching grant become a reality. Secondly, congratulations to the fair board for their hard work and dedication during the month-long matching blitz.”
Day said it was Birkbeck’s idea to offer a matching donation for the fairgrounds, and the bank’s board members agreed.
“4-H is extremely important, but we also looked at this match as economic development for the community. These facilities are another opportunity to bring people to town,” Day said. “Denison State Bank is honored to be a part of helping the Northeast Kansas Heritage Complex continue to grow and reach the vision the fair board has for the completed complex. The complex will have a positive impact on the economy in Jackson County as it continues to grow and as more activities are held at the complex.”
Allen said that funds will be used in a variety of ways including installing outdoor lighting and an announcer stand at the arena. The fair association plans to install hard surface handicap parking stalls and additional sidewalks.
Purchasing a top, or lid, for the amphitheater to improve sound quality is also a priority, he said.
“We also want to expand the current exhibit hall to the east,” he said. “At one point, we talked about building another exhibit hall, but we’ve decided to expand the current one.”
Two mini split units were installed in the exhibit hall to provide heating and air conditioning to the hall. An additional mini spilt may be added, as well as some ceiling fans.
“We’re absolutely appreciative of all the donations,” Allen said.
Mickie Schultz, Jackson County Fair Association member and treasurer, said the donations exceeded the fair association’s expectations.
“We were just so surprised when Denison State Bank approached us that we didn’t know what to expect in that 30-day window,” Schultz said. “It’s was just amazing when donations started coming in. The community really stepped up.”
Schultz said that three weddings have been held at the exhibit hall, as well as additional meetings, events and practices for the shooting sports club.
“We’ve received very positive feedback from everyone about the hall,” Schultz said. “It’s great that it’s being utilized throughout the year.”
Last summer was the first time the Jackson County 4-H Fair was held at the new fairgrounds. The grounds include an outdoor arena, a large livestock barn, an amphitheater and the exhibit hall. Areas for parking and the midway have also been designated.
