The existing 4-H Building at the Mineral County Fairgrounds has seen better days. The existing building is a quonset type structure and is starting to have issues with leaks in the roof and just plain not big enough. The Fair Board has gone to see the commissioners about trying to get a new building that would be capable of holding 250 assembly type seats. To meet code this would mean at least a 5000 sf building which would include a small kitchen, assembly area, a few offices, and a place for the shooting sports.

I think the main issue with getting this done is funding. The commissioners can promise all they want, but when it comes down to dollars, the county just doesn’t have the money. I would venture a guess that the structure would have a cost of around $600,000-700,000. The other issue would be where to put the new structure.

There has been talk of possibly incorporating something into the school, as they sit adjacent to one another. The school already provides several display areas during fair time.

This is another project that there really isn’t a question of need. I ask you to go take a look at the building – it’s old and completely inadequate for most activities. I remember having dances in there 25+ years ago and worried about if it was going to stand up.