Event Center nearing completion
The Event Center was used extensively during the fair.
One aspect of Fair week that experienced a bit of fortuitous timing was the construction schedule for the Event Center. The county’s new Event Center, which has been under construction for around a year, was almost-but-not-quite ready in time for the fair this year, which it was optimistically hoped early one in the process. Some issues related to the underlying soil and the weather conditions at the end of last year pushed the original schedule out by a few weeks, but what remains to be completed in the structure is really finish work more than anything.
While previous fairs’ Open Stage events have taken place in temporary or non-ideal locations, the Event Center served very well as the primary location for events such as Caribou’s Got Talent, the Pet Contest, the Kids Tractor Pull, the Hypno Hick, and more. Between the shade provided by the interior space, as well as the ventilation from the large bay doors, the area was perfect for large crowds to take a load off and sit for some entertainment. The indoor venue also allowed for an easier time managing the sound system and acoustics.
Due to the wind that created a bit of havoc throughout the week, the Event Center also showed that it would work well as in that environment, or as an alternative weather location.
The many county residents who found themselves at the Event Center during the week also got a good look up close and personal with the event side of the building. The remainder is dedicated to fire and emergency vehicle bays, as well as the County Ag Extension Office, which is currently in downtown Soda Springs.
The Event Center is scheduled for completion in October or early November, and is a planned election location.
