COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa — The 132nd annual Louisa County Fair will run from July 23-27 in Columbus Junction. But as organizers prepare for a week of animal showings, fair food and fun, donations are being collected for a new, multi-purpose barn at the fairgrounds.
The average age of the current large animal facilities are 64 years old. Additionally, capital campaign organizers say there's no building large enough in the area for corporate, large church, multi-school or regional events.
To solve both problems, the local 4-H and FFA chapters, in conjunction with the Louisa County Fair Board and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach are raising money for a multi-purpose facility.
The total money goal is two million dollars, with naming rights of the entire facility and/or smaller parts, such as the rabbit and poultry barn, avenues between pens, the sound system and the barn's fans all up for grabs.
Kent Corporation has agreed to match donations up to $250,000.
The fair says it will consider selling existing buildings to help reach the goal and is also open to discussing in-kind donations during the demolition and build.
Proposed designs show a 272-foot building that will have the capacity to house 36 cattle tie stalls, 22 double goat pens, 50 sheep pens and 80 hog pens. A large show ring will sit in the center of the building, while spaces for poultry, rabbits and an office with bathrooms will also be attached. The building will be built up on a stub wall to prevent flooding.
"We believe the Louisa County Fair, the youth of FFA & 4-H and the citizens of Louisa County deserve to have better show facilities. Louisa County has always been a leader in animal production. To stay that way, it's time for an upgrade," reads a statement on the capital campaign's website.
Your tax deductible donations can go to Louisa County 4-H Foundation-BARN, 317 Van Buren, Wapello, IA 52653.
For presentations or more information, you can call:
- Bambi Boysen at 319-330-8568
- Kathy Vance at 319-750-3544
- Kelli Totemeier at 319-461-9165
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