Tell us about it . . .
The County Line
Over the next few years, the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds is likely to take on a new and improved appearance. There is a move afoot to vastly update the facilities located on East Pleasant Street in Noblesville.
So far, the plans are being kept quiet for some reason. It never ceases to amaze me how some governmental entities want to keep good news quiet until a project is approved.
The public, which ultimately pays for the fairgrounds, has a right to know about upcoming projects before they go, in this case, to the County Council for consideration.
Susan Peterson, the very well qualified and effective director of local 4-H operations, has not returned calls for information about the planned improvements.
The fairgrounds is regarded by many as a good facility with an impressive exposition and office building, attractive grounds and possibly the only air conditioned llama barn in the nation.
However, there are needs. My sources tell me that a new show arena is planned along with possibly replacing some of the aging animal barns and likely other upgrades. Hopefully, more parking areas will be in the mix.
Unfortunately, the fairgrounds is pretty well landlocked by the expanding city, but engineers and planners can no doubt find ways to utilize the existing ground.
The fairgrounds’ major event of the year is, of course, the annual county 4-H fair in July. The local fair is one of the few, if not only, non-commercialized fairs. In other words, no carnival to distract from the 4-H competition now geared to include both the rural and urban youth.
The 4-H folks have a good thing going with the future in mind. They should tell us about it.