City of Fairfield Contributes to Hog Pen Renovations
“Dated, rusted, in need of repair, and a potential safety hazard,” Keith Brockman, on the Freestone County Fair Board, described the two hog buildings on the Fair Grounds.
He and Will Steen, along with board members President Jody Bodine, VP Todd Craig, Secretary Michelle Welch, Treasurer Brent Holmes, Clint Fryer, Marla Lookabill, and Collin Puckett, have set about to change that.
The plan is to replace them with a concrete 50’ X100’ Pavilion and a 30’ X 100’ dirt add on.
The project will first require demolition of the two hog barns which Spencer Crowell with Crowell Farm & Land should begin this week.
He will also build the pad for the Pavilion and all dirt work.
Shawn Ovalle, of Hill Top Welding, will do the concrete work and put the metal framing in place.
Tim Ezell, owner of Ezell Air out of Buffalo, will complete the electrical, i.e., lights, ceiling fans, and outlets.
“None of this would have been possible without the City of Fairfield,” Mr. Brockman shared,
“They pitched in $135,000 (half of the cost),” he continued.
During the week of the County Fair and other kid events, such as, the Teague Young Farmers Jack Pot event in February, temporary pens will be set up in the Pavilion. These will hold the show hogs, and hopefully, sheep and goats.
This building, along with the existing pavilion will be painted consistent with the existing Civic and Community Centers.
The City will have use of the Pavilion at other times. According to Misty Richardson, with the City, the plan is to rent it out for various events.
Looking to the near future, the Freestone County Fair Board intends to re-roof the Don Watkins Steer Barn and make other cosmetic improvements to it.
Look for the 2024 County Fair to be sporting a new look.
Mary McDonald reporting
