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The main gate to the Columbia County Fairgrounds was recently improved with the addition of concrete filling out the entrance area thanks to contributions from the Friends of the Fairgrounds. Areas on both sides of the entry ticket-taker booths and between the Youth Building and Pavilion were filled in with concrete. Adding to the project was a contribution of $3,000 made by Dayton Days, Inc., to the Friends to assist with project costs. Julia Mead, Friends of the Fairgrounds president, center, along with Fairgrounds manager Tyler Huff, left, accepted the check from Loyal Baker, president of Dayton Days, Inc.
DAYTON–Fairgrounds users and folks going to the 2024 edition of the Columbia County Fair in September will be greeted by a clean and smooth expanse of concrete that will brighten the entryway for decades to come.
The pavement work was the result of the Friends of the Fairgrounds'2024 goal of updating the fairgrounds' main entryway, says Julia Mead, president of the Friends of the Fairgrounds (FOTF).
"We recently received grant monies from the Warren Family Action Fund and the Columbia County/Dayton Fund, adding further contributions from our 2023 Blue Mountain Area Foundation Giving Guide donations and added support monies from Dayton Days, Inc.," Mead said recently.
"By paving the entire entry way in cement, people will have easier access to both the Youth Building and the Pavilion," she said. "Walking between the entrance and the Midway is now very safe and the pavement will allow smooth travel for those with strollers or wheelchairs.
"With the great collaboration with the County Commissioners," Mead said, "and specifically Facilities Manager Tyler Huff's direction and guidance, the Main Entry into the Midway has been greatly improved!"
Josh Westergreen of TwoCannon Construction and his crew donated a portion of "in-kind labor" toward the project, Mead added. Placement of a memorial bench just inside the entrance, should be completed by fair time.
Additionally, a concrete walkway has been added to the front gate entry that extends into the parking lot area, and also a walkway to the north single entry from the Midway into the pavilion, Mead said.
The FOTF's next priority, she continued, is to prepare and paint the exteriors of the Youth Building and other buildings.
FOTF welcomes new members, and encourages involvement from anyone with a "passion for improvements/restoration/beatification of our historic fairgrounds," Mead said.
