EL RENO – The annual Canadian County Free Fair has opened at a new “permanent” home.
The Canadian County Expo & Event Center has been built on 50 acres at Alfadale and Jensen roads just south of Interstate 40.
“This has been 66 years in the making,” Canadian County Fair Board Secretary Brad Tipton said. “That’s a long time.”
The 67th Annual Canadian County Fair is Aug. 23-28 at the new county fairgrounds’ complex. Canadian County use tax revenues have funded construction of the project’s $15.2 million first phase.
“I think pride is the best thing this facility brings out in folks – not to mention the economic development,” Tipton said. “For that first event (a regional team roping competition in early July), there were 500 cowboy hats renting rooms around this county.”
The Canadian County Expo & Event Center features a 19,000 square foot event center, 46,000 square foot indoor arena and 19,000 square foot open-air pavilion, along with around 15,000 square feet of office space. There also is an outdoor concert park and outdoor arena.
