Fair event center construction on track for fair despite fire‑safety and water‑pressure work, officials say

Harney County commissioners received an update on construction of the new fair event center during general deliberations on June 4. Fair board representatives and the fairgrounds manager are holding weekly meetings with contractors; the project team expects the main building and attached lean‑to to be completed in time for the county fair.

County officials said fire‑safety approvals and occupancy planning are under review with the state fire marshal. One issue noted was insufficient water flow at hydrants when multiple hydrants are opened simultaneously; commissioners said this may require additional hydrants or other measures to meet fire‑safety requirements.

Commissioners and county staff discussed how youth livestock groups will be accommodated for the fair. The youth livestock committee plans to use the main building and the lean‑to; organizers have reserved tents and procured panels to allow alternate setups if needed. The fairgrounds manager and 4‑H extension agent plan a meeting with the livestock committee and the fair board to finalize animal housing and show arrangements.

County officials said the lean‑to was originally intended to house livestock and that show arrangements (inside the main building or in the lean‑to) will be determined in coordination with 4‑H and the fairboard. The project team is also working on hydrant flow issues and other code matters as part of final inspections.

No formal county action was taken at the June 4 meeting; commissioners indicated continued engagement with the fair board and the fairgrounds manager to resolve outstanding technical issues before the fair.