Arena improvements continue to make a difference for 2012 Fair spectators
by Jennifer Kneuss
September 17, 2012
351
Summary: The Arena at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds is a very busy place not only at fair time, but all year around. Spectators are truly enjoying the Arena lately, thanks to the generosity of a grant provided by the Reeves Foundation to replace outdated bleachers.
Anyone who recalls the challenge of scaling the old aluminum bleachers that provided seating in the Tuscarawas County Fair Arena building is keenly aware of the difficulty those bleachers presented. There were no handrails and posed difficult to navigate pathways that made it particularly hard for anyone with any type of physical limitations to climb them. The open style bleachers also gave parents a fright as too-eager toddlers and young children scrambled over the metal planks, risking a perilous drop to the concrete many feet below.
The Arena is an important part of the Junior Fair each October, as it hosts not only a multitude of livestock project showing events, but is also the location for the livestock, dairy, and small animal sales, which typically raise well over $100,000 for the Junior Fair members and programs. The space is also used year around for other educational and agricultural events.
We had a great deal of trash that ended up under the bleachers every day, and that took a lot of manpower to clean up, noted Reb Billman, a longtime Tuscarawas County Fair Senior Fairboard member. The old bleachers were simply worn out and in need of constant repair. We tried to get someone to simply update them, but no company would touch them due to their condition and inability to meet safety and accessibility codes.
Now, weve got designated spots for wheelchairs, and the new wooden bleachers are much sturdier and safer. Im glad we were able to eliminate the openings. It was always nerve wracking with kids running up and down them, and personal belongings were always falling through, too, noted the board member. Unfortunately, ideas for a planned storage area beneath the bleachers had to be abandoned, because doing so would necessitate installation of a commercial sprinkler system that was cost prohibitive.
The Reeves Foundation stepped up to the plate when the need to replace the bleachers became publicized in 2011. Partnering with existing fundraising and adopt-a-seat drives and six major agricultural groups, the Foundation provided the funds needed to take the project over the top to completion. A volunteer Junior Fair Improvement and Market Livestock Committees made the project a priority, and within four months, the new bleachers were in place just in time for the 2011 fair.
It is amazing what a difference the handrails and wide aisle ways for the steps make, Billman said. Visitors to the fair both last year and this year are very appreciative of the improvement.
Extension agent Chris Zoeller agreed. The new bleacher system, which was built by Gor-Con Construction of Dover, meets all of todays construction codes. We expect it to serve our community for years to come.
This seating system is so much safer for people of all ages, noted Sandy Newbold, who has sat through many livestock shows in the Arena over the years. I used to cringe whenever I saw little ones come so close to falling through the wide spaces. They were hard for about everyone to navigate. This is a huge improvement.
Billman glanced at the Arena seating area, packed with spectators for the beef showmanship event.
This is definitely one of the most practical additions we have made to the Fairgrounds in years.
