Barren County, KY – The Barren County Fairgrounds will soon see significant upgrades thanks to a $100,000 grant from the Kentucky State Aid to Local Agricultural Fairs Program. This grant, administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Division of Shows and Fairs, supports vital infrastructure improvements to enhance local agricultural fairs.
The funds will be allocated toward a speaker system, LED signs, a walk-in freezer and cooler, an ice machine, and building construction. While specific projects have not yet been finalized, William Myatt, Barren County Fair Manager and Secretary of the Temple Hill Lions Club expressed enthusiasm for the improvements.
"This funding represents an incredible opportunity to invest in our fairgrounds," said Myatt. "The upgrades will benefit the nearly 9,000 visitors who attend our fair each year and help us continue to provide an exceptional experience for our community."
Judge Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd celebrated the news, highlighting the importance of agricultural fairs in fostering community connections.“I was on the Jonathan Shell's Ag transition team when he got elected commissioner of Agriculture, and learned that Barren County had never applied for the County fair grant money. So I came back and that was one of the things we talked about was we needed to apply for the Barren County Fair Grant.
Commissioner Shell called me and was very excited to let me know that we got $100,000, and all we had to do was apply. That was huge. That, to me, is unreal for not ever applied, and then we got $100,000.” Said Judge Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd.
Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell also emphasized the program's impact, calling this year’s grant awards a“record-setting” moment for Kentucky fairs. "County fairs lie at the core of our agricultural communities," said Shell. "These grants ensure that fair boards have the resources they need to enrich the fair experience for their communities and agricultural partners alike."
The State Aid to Local Agricultural Fairs Program, established in 1962, supports local fairs through matching grants. The program requires recipients to contribute 25 percent of total costs, with grants funding the remaining 75 percent. Projects must commence within 90 days of award notification and be completed within nine months.
With this funding, the Barren County Fair is poised to continue its tradition of excellence, celebrating while bringing the community together.
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