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Fair Board Purchases Building for Event Center; Officials Discuss Grants and Fundraising
Summary
The Sheridan County fair board bought a 75-by-200 building to develop a multipurpose event center and is evaluating architecture/engineering proposals; officials discussed private fundraising and pursuing state grant flexibility for seating-capacity requirements.
Fair‑grounds and county representatives reported the fair board has purchased a 75‑by‑200 building intended as a multipurpose event center and issued an RFP for architecture and engineering work to determine placement and construction plans.
Speakers said the venue could provide convention space, trade shows, and four‑season event capacity; the board has roughly 60 events planned without the new building and described the facility as a potential year‑round revenue source. "The building has been purchased by the fair board with their existing budget and with their reserves," one participant said.
Participants discussed seeking grants and private donations. One speaker proposed writing to the governor and requesting a meeting to discuss state grant opportunities aimed at rodeo grounds and fairgrounds improvements. However, attendees noted a state grant in question requires seating capacities in the 7,500 range to qualify, and that threshold would exclude nearly all Wyoming rodeo facilities; speakers suggested asking for a waiver or amendment to the grant eligibility criteria.
The fairgrounds' role as an emergency‑management hub was highlighted: it has been used for fire operations, COVID vaccination clinics and as a shelter during power outages because of on‑site backup generators. The fair board is exploring formation of a 501(c)(3) or other private fundraising mechanisms and said a building committee is already reviewing options.
No formal commitment of county funds was made during the session; the fair board and county officials will pursue funding options and potential outreach to the governor’s office and private donors.
