County invited to a walk-through of the remodeled 4-H building

WHEATLAND – It had served the community well, but the antiquated 4-H building was in dire need of a makeover.
Saturday, April 17, Platte County was invited to a walkthrough with tour guides available to answer questions and to point out the special features of the renovated building.
The project is approximately five weeks from being completed and the tours gave the public a chance to see what was behind walls, in ceilings and hopefully would garner a greater appreciation for what the project entailed.

The main feature is the immense 7,000 sq. foot open area that can hold future conventions, wedding receptions and large gatherings. It has an open feel with the exposed I-beam trusses which is also a trend in most modern buildings that have been constructed in the new millennium.
The fair office will be relocating to the renovated building and no plans have yet been made as to the use of the former offices of the fair. Another building that will be vacated will be the food and concessions building directly behind the grandstand.
With a new commercial kitchen that has gone into the new addition of the building, there will also be space for both inside and outside dining which will be an advantage during inclement weather. With the beef barn collapsing this spring under the snow load, there will have to be some rearranging done.
The entire building used to cost $300 to rent. The new renovated center will cost more to rent the whole complex than before, but there will be different prices if just a portion of the building is needed. The package prices for the use of different areas of the building will not be determined until July said fair board member Beth Douglas.
The main entrance to the building will now be to the north and will be accessed from the center of the fairgrounds.
The price tag for the project is set at $3.4 million, but currently the project is running under budget according to Douglas. Although there is much to do before the building can be used, there is optimism that it will be available for the fair this summer.
This year’s fair will run from July 23-Aug. 1.
For a sneak peak at the project under construction or for questions about the upcoming fair, please visit:  https://plattecountyfair.org/  For any questions or concerns, you may call the fair board at (307) 322-9504.