County fair leaders tell legislature grants keep events running but infrastructure remains costly

Leaders of Vermont county fairs briefed the Agriculture Committee in Montpelier about how state stipend and capital grant funding has been used and the limits those funds face when applied to aging fairgrounds.

Robert Convent, representing the Rutland fair, said capital grant money paid for a permanent restroom building that eliminated an ongoing $2,000-a-year porta-potty rental expense and reduced environmental impacts from sewage pumping and chemical handling. “With our capital grant money, we were able to build the last restroom, and we don't have to rent porta-potties anymore,” Convent said.

Convent told senators the fair secured grant funding to study a three-acre compliance issue and expects engineering work to begin after snowmelt. He said engineering costs are estimated at $150,000–$200,000 and warned that steep site grades and infrastructure dating to the late 1800s could force extensive replacement of electrical, water and sewer lines. He also said the donated deed for the Rutland site contains a restriction that prevents the property from being sold, limiting options to relocate the fair.

Chris Mannis of the Caledonia County Fair detailed projects funded by grants and stipends, calling the capital awards “seed money” that helps fairs undertake needed projects. He described a recent expansion to the Lawrence Arena and upgrades that cost roughly $120,000 for new side sheds, and said the fair is partnering with the University of Vermont to erect a 30-foot weather tower to improve local flood forecasting after recent storms.

Randy, president of Memorial Field Days, described converting a horse arena from grass to sand, rebuilding a multiuse building with steel framing and plans for overhead doors and a concrete vendor pad. He said organizers are adding community events, such as a car show and a working-dog trial, to broaden participation and revenue.

Sarah Noel, secretary of the Franklin County Field Days, said her fair is operating on a temporary two-year lease while organizers seek a permanent site. She said suitable parcels in Franklin County are scarce and costly; she cited an asking price of $2,400,000 for about 47 acres as an example. Noel added that a local land trust told her it would not allow fairs on conserved parcels, meaning purchase plus conservation restrictions can limit relocation options.

Committee members and advisory volunteers noted the stipend program (about $35,000 per fair annually) has remained flat and suggested increases to $40,000–$45,000 to better match rising costs. No formal committee vote or policy change occurred during the session; lawmakers received testimony and thanked delegates for the updates.

The committee did not take formal action at the end of the briefing; fair representatives left the hearing after thanking lawmakers and staff.