Cannon County awarded tourism grant for permanent outdoor stage at fairgrounds; details on amenities remain under discussion

Cannon County announced on Oct. 2 that it has been awarded a tourism enhancement grant to construct a permanent outdoor stage at the Cannon County Fairgrounds, with plans for vendor and food-truck space. County officials said the grant award is approximately $91,000; final design drawings were not yet complete.

Commissioners discussed possible amenities. Officials said restrooms were not yet included in the initial scope and would depend on available funding. Electricity access exists near the concession area and water lines are close by; sewer connections were discussed as a future consideration. Speakers noted the county has already discussed utilities with county and fairgrounds partners.

The county also addressed community concerns about project placement and rumor control: officials said the emergency operations center and the stage would not be built in the tractor pull area and that earlier rumors to the contrary were unfounded.

No formal vote to appropriate funds or finalize the project scope was recorded during the discussion; staff said more detailed drawings will be provided and additional agenda items will follow as plans are refined.