Renovations Restore Luster to Historic Lake County Fairgrounds
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It’s fair to say that the Lake County Fairgrounds is a lovely venue, and is becoming even lovelier.
The fairgrounds has hosted the Lake County Fair since 1852, providing an attractive setting for the 250,000 people who attend the 10-day event. But in recent years, a few of the heavily used brick buildings have fallen into disrepair, thereby prompting the Lake County Board of Commissioners and the Lake County Fair Board to take action to renovate this historic entertainment destination.
“This is one of the prettier, more rustic fairgrounds I’ve ever seen, which is why we want to get everything restored,” says Gerry Scheub, a Lake County commissioner. “Everything will eventually be updated yet carry the natural, nostalgic look it had 50 or 60 years ago.”
Scheub says people also use the fairgrounds every day for walking and jogging, as well as to swim and fish on Fancher Lake.
“The structures needing the most work are the ones used most often, namely the Industrial Building, the 4-H Building and the Family Arts & Crafts Building,” he says. Some work on the Industrial Building has already been completed, including the replacement of the windows, while still retaining the historic look.
“The building looks beautiful and is more energy efficient,” Scheub says.
Upgrade of the 4-H building began in May 2008. New lighting, electrical systems and bathrooms are being installed, along with a top-notch heating and cooling system.
“The 4-H Building is a solid structure but everything is outdated,” Scheub says. “The renovations are needed not only to make the building more pleasing to the eye, but because it is used more than any other building on site.”
Finally, Scheub says the Family Arts & Crafts Building will be the last major structure to be upgraded, and the project may take three years to complete.
“This is our crown jewel of the fairgrounds, so it needs a complete restoration,” he says. “The facility is used for stage plays, weddings and corporate functions, and it’s a building that people must see in person to truly appreciate.”
Other upgrades that have already occurred include a $500,000 restoration of the grandstands, along with the installation of a gazebo on the hill at the south side of the fairgrounds. The gazebo looks down upon the grandstands, and overlooks Lake Fancher.
In addition, a covered bridge has also been restored on the grounds.
“We will also improve the roads that wind through the fairgrounds, and will move the existing entrance down a ways.” Scheub says. “The front entranceway will be landscaped to provide a pretty picture when people first enter the fairgrounds. This renovation project is a labor of love, and the Lake County Board of Commissioners and the Lake County Fair Board are not going to stop until
we’re finished.”
Story by Kevin Litwin
Photo by Wes Aldridge
