The Fair Board has raised more than $165,000 for the updates and continues to push toward its $265,000 goal.

“Every penny from fundraising has gone back to the indoor arena project,” said Heather Stewart, Webster County fair manager. “I hope that people can see it.”

The board has focused its most recent attention on the indoor arena, which previously hadn’t been touched since 1970. In the past year, it’s added new steel on the building, and spray foam to the ceiling. Ceiling fans, lights, windows, overhead doors along with garage door openers have been added. Storage areas have been created above the livestock office and hallway and bathroom areas. A new air conditioner was also added in the livestock office.

According to Stewart, they are continuing to fundraise an additional $100,000, which will fund spray foam to the arena’s walls, raise the bleachers along with leveling them out with rock underneath, adding new walk-through doors, and complete electrical work along with updating the kitchen and bathrooms.

-Messenger file photo by Hans Madsen
A group of fair attendees found a spot with shade and a breeze to watch the sheep show at the 2023 Webster County Fair.

“The fundraising process is going well,” said Stewart. “It’s a slow process, but with the way the economy is, we’re very happy with it.”

Additional fundraising and updates are also being made to the sheep and goat barns as the pens are in need of replacing.

“Some of the pens are wired or zip tied to keep the animals in,” said Stewart.

The Webster County Fair Board also just received a $1,000 grant for a new playground which will be constructed in the kid zone area.

“It seems like we are always working on something at the fairgrounds to make it better,” said Stewart.

Last year, the board added new ceiling tiles and LED lights in the West Auditorium as well as new lights on the east side as well.

The Webster County Fair opens July 17 and will run through July 21.