Greene County Agricultural Society opens 40-by-80 storage building; fair to remain free with expanded entertainment

Alex John, representing the Greene County Agricultural Society, told the Greene County Legislature at its regular meeting that the county fairgrounds has a new 40-by-80 storage building and that this year’s fair will remain free with free parking and expanded entertainment.

John said the society has already moved equipment into the new building: “It's already in the buildings. I don't have to haul it from other towns.” He told legislators the society emptied two trailers into the structure and expects the storage to speed setup and teardown for the fair.

The society is expanding programming and logistics this year. John said organizers created a larger printed program and scheduled additional entertainers and vendors. He named several attractions: returning dock-diving dogs, local crafter Jimmy Durasta performing daily band-saw demonstrations in the youth building, and Buffalo Barfield appearing in a new role this year. John credited volunteer organizer Alana Sheldon for assembling the schedule and local vendors for participation.

Organizers also described operational changes after large crowds last year: more frequent checks of portable toilets and hand-wash stations, additional staffing for parking, and earlier coordination with Big Top for tent setup. John said tent erection typically begins the Monday before the fair, weather permitting, and that organizers plan a ribbon-cutting and photo opportunity for the new building at the fair’s opening.

John invited legislators to attend opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday the 24th and said the society will contact the Chamber for a ceremonial pair of scissors for the ribbon cutting. He also thanked county staff and the sheriff’s department for assistance with setup and logistics.

The legislature did not take action on fair operations at this meeting; the report was given as an informational presentation.