Sheriff: Xenia, county, state provide ‘road grindings’ for Hamvention

Credit: Sky7

Credit: Sky7

Crews have been working to prepare for rainy weather at the Greene County Fairgrounds, where thousands of people are expected at Dayton Hamvention.

The annual international event opens Friday morning and runs through Sunday. It attracts tens of thousands of people from across the nation and from other countries, bringing an estimated economic impact of $14 million to the region, according to coverage last year by the Dayton Daily News.

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The weekend convention for amateur radio enthusiasts, previously held at Hara Arena before its closure in 2016, has been sponsored by the Dayton Amateur Radio Association since 1952.

The rains dampened an otherwise successful event last year at the fairgrounds in Xenia.

Work was done this week to better prepare for the weather, according to Sheriff Gene Fischer.

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“Road grindings” were donated to the fair board and have been spread out along the infield of the racetrack to create walkways where the popular flea market will be staged, Fischer said.

The material is what’s left when road crews remove layers of asphalt on roads that are being repaired or replaced in the area.

Credit: CHUCK HAMLIN/STAFF

Credit: CHUCK HAMLIN/STAFF

“This turned into a mud pit,” Fischer said Wednesday as a small construction dozer spread the material. “The city of Xenia, Greene County and the state of Ohio have been moving these road grindings here ... This should help if we get a lot of rain ... This is a big win to get this done in time for Hamvention.”

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The weekend forecast indicates there is the potential for isolated storms Friday and Saturday, with storms expected Sunday evening, according to the WHIO 5-day Forecast.

Tickets can be purchased on-site, at various retailers and organizations or ordered online until midnight Thursday. For more information, visit hamvention.org or call (937) 276-6930.

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