Grant-funded Friendlyville upgrades to add roundabout, fencing and event access at fairgrounds

Matt Butana said the fairgrounds received a grant to rehabilitate the Friendlyville area between the Blue Pavilion and the Fair office, an area that had been largely unusable because of contours and shape: "So this year, we were successful in in in getting a grant for our Friendlyville area," he said. The project will regrade the site, add a roundabout, fencing and a new access into the Cow Palace to improve circulation.

Officials said the improvements—paired with asphalt and lighting—are intended to make the area usable for vendors and events throughout the year, expanding the fairgrounds' ability to host non‑fair activities and increase rental opportunities. Butana also described plans for a metal event center spanning from the 4‑H Barn to the Cow Palace to support larger covered gatherings and upgrades to utilities in that footprint.