by Mari Radtke •
Kirk Letsche, Marcus Fair Board President, accepted a Cherokee County Legacy Grant on Tuesday April 9 at the Marcus Community Center. The Marcus Fair Board applied for the grant to assist with the cost of significant building renovations for core buildings.
On the west side of the main throughfare of the Marcus Fair grounds stand three quonset hut buildings and the Centennial Building. The two quonsets in the middle are used for commercial booths during the fair. They and other fair buildings provide rented storage space for boats, RVs, farm equipment, etc. during the winter months. Those two quonsets are scheduled for demolition this summer.
According the Letsche, a new single building will replace the two. He said the new structure would be oriented north-south instead of east-west. He also explained the new building would be set back off the road more. The additonal space near the current road will allow better access for outside fair features such as food carts. The road will become part of Marcus new trail system.
Letsche said of the quonsets, Ò”The roofs are starting to leak. The cement isn’t in great shape. They’re dark. They’re not really aesthetically pleasing, I guess. We hope to brighten some things up. You now we’re always looking to make some improvements.”
The new 7000 square foot commercial building will have a new concrete floor with outside concrete on its east side. Windows will provide better natural lighting. More insulation under the roof will help maintain a more comfortable temperature inside. The concrete on the trail as well as inside and in front of the new facility will make wheel chair and stroller access easier as well.
Letsche expects the Fair Grounds to be a very busy place this summer. The trail is expected to break ground in May. The building construction will follow. The hope is to have it all done by July 15.
Two main fundraisers for the fair will continue, the annual Mothers’ Day Brunch at the new Golf Course clubhouse and the golf tournament will still be held. Letsched expects to hold a building specific fundraiser also.
About half of the needed money is Òin the bank, according to Letsche, but declined to give an expected cost. Bids are due from contractors the third week of April.