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The Current Grandstand
More than 100 years ago, Guthrie County residents contributed $25 each to purchase Grandstand Shares so that a new and modern grandstand could be constructed on the Guthrie County Fairgrounds. Now the Fair Board is asking residents to contribute $300 to purchase a seat in the grandstand as the final push is made to secure the funding to make the dream of a new grandstand a reality. The exact date of the construction of the current grandstand is unknown but fair officials know that it was expanded later, probably in the 1920s or 1930s. It has served the fair well and survived numerous floods, including three in the last ten years. Plans are to construct a state-of-the-art grandstand on the west side of the fairgrounds. The initial dirt work was completed last fall, raising the area two feet above the flood plain. The new facility will face the east but will have a baseball stadium effect with the two ends turned in slightly.
Fair officials expect the new Grandstand to cost an estimated $275,000 for a 800-900 seat facility that measures 140’ x 37’. Plans are to cover all or at least the bulk of the facility to protect spectators from the sun and other weather elements. The new facility will be fully equipped with restroom facilities and will meet all ADA requirements. Additional dirt work, installation of sewer and utility services plus fencing will bring the total cost of the project to at least $300,000. Fair officials have been working on funding this project for several years, slowly raising the funds needed. Thus far, they have banked $120,000 plus another $58,000 of county funds for a total of $178,000. A drive is underway to raise the remaining $122,000 needed. The Fair Board is asking residents and supporters of the fair to donate at least $300 to help purchase a grandstand seat. These contributions will be recognized on an engraved plaque located in the Community Building. Fair officials would like to have this project completed as we celebrate the 150th Guthrie County Fair in two years. All donations to the grandstand fund or to the Fair are tax deductible. Large and small cash donations are welcome as well as bequests of stocks, bonds, annuities or personal property. Donations can be mailed to P. O. Box 153, Guthrie Center, IA 50115. Click here to go to Grandstand contribution form. “We know that everyone has pleasant memories of the fair,” said Fair Board President C.W. Thomas. “It’s a tradition where people go to meet their friends. We hope people will continue to attend the fair and will help us with this worthwhile project to make this improvement to the fairgrounds.” Questions?
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