“The indoor arena has not been touched since 1973,” said Stewart. “Just walking around and looking at it, you can tell that it needs some help. There are broken windows and holes in the siding. Insulation hangs down from the ceiling, and overall, it just doesn’t look good. The doors don’t shut right since we took insulation out last summer, and it gets really hot in there. It needs a face lift.”

The arena project will be completed in two phases. Phase one will cost more than $300,000 and will include new steel and spray foam insulated walls, industrial insulated ceilings, metal roof restoration with waterproofing, industrial ceiling fans over the arena and bleachers, electrical upgrades and all new doors and windows. Stewart says they hope to have the first phase of the project completed by June 30, 2023, before this year’s fair. Phase two will include updating the arena’s kitchen, bathrooms, and showers.

“We want to get the lighting, insulation, siding, and windows upgraded before the 2023 fair,” said Stewart. “Then we’ll shift our focus to the upgrades inside of the building as additional funds become available.”

Last summer, Woodruff Electric installed new lights. This year, phase one work begins, as does fundraising for the large-scale project.

-Messenger photo by Kelli Bloomquist
The indoor arena stands and show ring will undergo a facelift this spring as the Webster County Fair Board begins a remodel. The structure was built in 1973 and hasn’t been updated since.

“In January we did a DJ fundraiser that went amazing,” said Stewart. “I have applied for a couple of grants, and I am getting out there and talking to people hoping that they will see the benefit in this and want to donate to it.”

Donations to the indoor arena project can be made at WebsterCountyFairgroundsIA.com, by messaging on Facebook, or by reaching out to any fair board or fair foundation member.

“If people or businesses are interested in donating, I have a pledge sheet that they can fill out,” said Stewart. “You can pledge as low as $1.”

The indoor arena is one of only a few large indoor facilities in the area, and by updating the building, she hopes it can become one of the premier locations to host large events with seating and amenities. The building will be available for rental during the summer, except during fair week.

The arena is also currently home to the Iowa Central Community College rodeo program throughout the school year, and hosts indoor rodeos and livestock shows during the county fair.

“After phase one, and even more after phase two, this facility will be able to host even more events,” said Stewart. “We can host more livestock shows, concerts, trade shows. It will be available to be rented out for gatherings and activities. I would like to see someone get married in the arena when it’s finished. It will be beautiful. We want to preserve a building that many 4-H and FFA kids and their families show livestock in. We want to have these opportunities for generations to come, and to do so, we need to update the arena.”