The FCS Financial Rural Community and Agriculture Foundation recently granted $5,000 to the Ralls County Junior Fair Board in Center to assist with fairground improvements.
In 2019, the Ralls County Fair Board took over management of the land and buildings that are used for the Ralls County Youth Fair.
“Our first obstacle was to demolish and remove an old concrete brick building that would retain water inside and cause mold,” says Beverly Klise, Fair Board President. “Now we need to make critical improvements to the Youth Livestock Pavilion in order to maintain our showing facilities.”
Electrical and structural safety are immediate focus areas as the 1970’s pavilion is used to house and exhibit all species of livestock and is used for the youth livestock and meat product sale during the fair. The Ralls County Youth Fairgrounds is used by the Ralls County 4-H members, Mark Twain FFA and FCCLA members and Van-Far FFA and FCCLA members. There are approximately 175 youth that are eligible to exhibit at the fair that is held every July. The improvements are expected to cost nearly $28,500 to be paid for through grants and fundraisers.
“In addition to correcting the safety concerns, we currently do not have a wash rack, fans or sunshades in the pavilion for the exhibitors to use while exhibiting their livestock,” says Klise. “With these improvements the exhibitors could easily wash and care for their livestock while keeping them cool.”
The FCS Financial Rural Community and Agriculture Foundation represents the cooperative’s long-term commitment to a thriving and prosperous agricultural industry and our rural communities. The Foundation focuses on targeted, long-term investments.
“Providing the next generation appropriate venues is crucial to create an understanding of agriculture and actively engage youth in lifelong opportunities that benefit them and rural communities,” says David Janish, FCS Financial CEO.
Additional information and the Rural Community and Agriculture Foundation application are available online or email marketing@myfcsfinancial.com.
