From Staff Reports
Canadian County Commissioners approved payments toward the new Expo Center under construction.
Commissioners met in a regular Monday, Jan. 8 meeting and approved two items towared the project. A bill for $7,817 was approved for rock work by Dolese and a payment of $1,084 was paid to the Banner Water Authority. The total approved Monday was $8,968.
Progress is continuing on Canadian County Fairgrounds’ complex – which is expected to be ready this summer.
Contractor crews under the supervision of construction manager Lingo Construction are building new facilities at the future county fairgrounds’ property just south of Interstate 40.
The new Canadian County Fairgrounds and Event Center is being built on a 50-acre site at Jensen and Alfadale roads near El Reno.
Brad Tipton, Canadian County’s Fair Board secretary, said the sky’s the limit for the county’s new expo center just east of El Reno.
“Besides our county 4-H, FFA and fair events, we’re going to adapt this facility to host other events,” Tipton said.
“That’s why this facility is being built, so we can merge with other clientele, groups and species of animals.”
The new Canadian County Expo Center will be able to host graduations, concerts, horse shows, rodeos, and barrel racing competitions.
“We’re getting bookings already,” Tipton said. “There is a real need for this new facility.
People are looking for an alternative to the state fairgrounds in Oklahoma City.
“We’ve outgrown our current fairgrounds by leaps and bounds. People have wanted a new fairgrounds in Canadian County since the 1980s.
“Everybody’s excited to get into the new facility.”
The Canadian County Expo Center is being constructed just south of Interstate 40.
Canadian County Commissioners and fair board members expect the new county fairgrounds to host the 67th annual county fair in August 2021.
The new Canadian County Fairgrounds’ project will feature an expo center arena, maintenance building and stall barn.
The building should be ready for moving in work to start in June.
Lingo Construction is construction manager for the $15.8 million first phase of project; Lingo’s fee is 5 percent. Commissioners are utilizing county use tax revenues to help fund construction and related costs.
Staff Writer Conrad Dudderar contributed to this report
