Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Several buildings at the Wells County fairgrounds have received facelifts this past spring. The most recent completion has been the construction of the “Pavilion” to replace the smaller grandstand; which had not been used for several years, due to disrepair.
The Pavilion was completed just prior to the 2018 Wells County Fair in June. The addition of the new 40-foot by 100-foot building was well received, particularly the new bathrooms and vendor area.
The dedication of the new building will be held Sunday, Aug. 26. The celebration will start at 3 p.m. with a social including wine tasting and music. The dedication ceremony will be at 4:30 p.m., followed by a free-will supper and music at 5 p.m. All festivities will take place at the Wells County fairgrounds in Fessenden.
“Everyone is welcome to attend the celebration,” invites Wells County Fair Board President Rick Jenson of Harvey.
Pavilion architect Gordon Olschlager will attend the dedication. The Pavilion structure was modeled after the former small grandstand to help retain the fair’s rich history. Olschlager’s expertise in historical buildings had been instrumental in the rebuilding of Festival Hall and the structural renovation of the large grandstand.
As a Fessenden native, Olschlager had firsthand knowledge of the Wells County fairgrounds and its buildings. Throughout his extensive architectural career Olschlager expertise in historical renovations has taken him throughout the United States and Europe.
Other buildings that were updated this spring include the big grandstand, which had the roof repaired, new siding, and new doors and windows on the beer gardens and storage area added; and the fair office, where a steel roof, siding and windows were installed.
Additional work is needed on other buildings on the fairgrounds. Future renovation plans are slated for the 4-H Static Building and the Open Class Static Building, both located on the north end of the fairgrounds; as well as the former Treasurer/Sheriff building adjacent to the Pavilion. The floor of the 4-H building will be replaced prior to siding the building. The upper level of the open class building will be reinforced prior to siding that building. Repairs and siding will be done to the Treasurer/Sheriff building, which now houses the Wells County Fair museum.
The Wells County fairgrounds as well as many buildings on the fairgrounds are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the long-term goals for the fairgrounds includes continuing to maintain the legacy of these historic buildings.
Since 1909, Fessenden has hosted the Wells County Fair. The history and architecture of the buildings throughout the grounds, as well as the free gate admission, adds to the fair’s uniqueness.
