Closer to country: The new 150-acre fairgrounds to be constructed over the next year should have a more pronounced rural feel than the 38-acre site now hemmed into urban Dayton. The annual event showcasing the county's current contributions to agriculture while honoring its heritage will move 6 miles west to Arthur O. Fisher Park, where country abuts city.
Credit: Chris Stewart
Credit: Chris Stewart
Climate controlled buildings: Three of the exhibition buildings will be heated and air-conditioned to attract events year-round. The climate-controlled event space would put the location in the running for high-profile events like Ale Fest and Hamvention, which moved to neighboring Greene County after Hara Arena closed.
More parking: The first thing visitors to the new fairgrounds will likely notice is more parking. The new site will accommodate up to 1,500 vehicles, 900 more than the Dayton fairgrounds. Up to 500 parking spots will be on asphalt.
Credit: Chris Stewart
Credit: Chris Stewart
Entrance gate location moves: Related to parking, the main entry gate to the new fairgrounds will be between the exhibition site and parking areas. Going to the fairgrounds in Dayton calls for either parking on narrow side streets and walking in or queuing their cars up on Main Street to snake around the midway for a scarce spot on the horse track infield. No longer will fair goers pass through an entry gate by vehicle.
Credit: Chris Stewart
Credit: Chris Stewart
No horse track: The first phase of construction on the new fairgrounds beginning next month does not include a horse track. The $15 million initial build-out does include a grandstand to be built at the northeast corner of the site facing an event field. The area will host pulling events and others like the annual horse show that are typically staged now on the infield of the current horse track. A horse track is included on the long-term conceptual master plan, but finances are not yet available, according to the fair board.
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