Adams County Fairgrounds in West Union, Ohio, received first prize in Grinnell Mutual’s
Fairground Facelift project. The fairground won a $3,000 grant toward replacing and repairing worn and damaged seating at the Tom White Memorial Dirt Complex. These improvements are the next steps in a years-long revitalization of the fairgrounds.
“We have had a full-blown effort to revitalize the fairgrounds and it has really brought the
community back together,” said Liz Lafferty, President of the Adams County Agricultural
Society. “We have painted roofs, renovated buildings, installed new fencing. We have touched every part of the fairgrounds except the dirt complex. This grant will get it started.”
For Lafferty, the revitalization will leave a legacy for youth living in Adams County. “In our rural community, this is one great thing kids have. They are involved and feel fulfilled.The Fairground Facelift will help create memories. It’s huge support for a small town. It’s much appreciated.”
Grinnell Mutual received 80 project submissions from 12 states. Facebook users then cast more than 27,000 votes for their favorite projects among the 15 finalists. The five winning recipients shared a total of $7,000 worth of grants and were chosen based on the number of votes received.
“We are pleased by the response to this year’s contest,” said Director of Advertising and
Community Relations Barb Baker. “We received an excellent array of project submissions and narrowing them down to our 15 finalists was difficult. The record number of votes cast show how overwhelmingly people support their local fairgrounds. Grinnell Mutual is proud to assist each of the winning projects with these grants.”
