CHILLICOTHE – The Ross County Agricultural Society will receive $106,831.54 as part of $10 million in grants to support Ohio fairgrounds and improve the experiences for fairgoers.
The money was announced Monday by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik and the director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Brian Baldridge at the Pickaway County Fair.
Now in its 80th year, the Ross County Fair opens this year on August 3.
The funding was awarded as part of Ohio’s County and Independent Fair Grant Program, which was established to support county and independent agricultural associations with improvements including upgrades to grounds, electrical and plumbing systems, machinery and equipment, and ADA accommodations, according to a news release . from the governor’s office.
“Investing in Ohio’s state and independent fairs means investing in some of Ohio’s most beloved traditions,” said Governor DeWine. “These improvements will ensure that our fairgrounds remain safe and accessible to everyone.” We must ensure this is reflected in our provincial and independent grants,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “We are investing in what is the heart of many of our rural communities and making critical improvements that will enhance the fair experience across Ohio. ”
Grants will support a variety of projects, including new bleachers, repairing or replacing dilapidated buildings, new or improved restroom facilities, parking lots and campsites, and ADA accessibility improvements such as ramp additions and improved trails. Several projects include electrical upgrades, lighting improvements and additional directional and traffic signs.
All 94 provincial and independent grants have applied and received funding. Funding for the program was made possible with support from the 135th Ohio General Assembly in House Bill 33, which requires funds to be distributed evenly to all eligible grant applicants. All applicants received a maximum of $106,831.54, with two scholarships asking for a lower amount. The program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development.
“Our local fairs are truly a place of agricultural tradition and celebration,” said Brian Baldridge, director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture. “People from communities around the world come to visit and learn about agriculture because of the quality of programming at our fairs. These dollars will continue to elevate and improve every fairground in the state.”
The fair season officially began on June 8 with the Paulding County Fair and concludes on October 12 with the Fairfield County Fair.
This article originally appeared in the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: $106,831 in grant money to support the Ross County Fair
