On April 1, the Darke County Agricultural Society held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Community Education Center/Dog Arena at the Darke County Fairgrounds. The event witnessed the gathering of esteemed guests including local and state politicians, community leaders, and representatives of major donors, marking a significant step forward for the county.
Among the guests present were Greenville Mayor Jeff Whitaker, who led the prayer, Commissioner Combs, Ohio state representatives King and Creech, and State Senator Huffman, who played a pivotal role in securing state funds for the project. Additionally, Ben Thaler represented Congressman Davidson, while representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and major donors such as Cargill and the Brown Family Foundation attended as well. Although Hill’s Pet Nutrition, another major donor, was unable to attend, their support was recognized and appreciated.
Addressing the attendees, Darke County Fair Board President Greg Pearson expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s been a long time coming. It’s a big day for us, a brick-and-mortar milestone for the county. We are ready to get this started and get it up for the fair.”
During the ceremony, Ohio Senator Huffman presented a Proclamation to Fair Board Treasurer Marla Werner, commending the efforts of the Darke County Fair and congratulating them on the progress made. The acknowledgment highlighted the significance of the project not only for its physical infrastructure but also for its broader impact on community engagement.
The new Community Education Center/Dog Arena will span approximately 11,000 square feet, offering versatile spaces for year-round use and specifically catering to the needs of the Great Darke County Fair. It will serve as the designated venue for the Dog Department for Jr. Fair, Open Show, and Exhibition, providing a dedicated space for showcasing and nurturing local talent in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked not just the initiation of construction but also symbolized a collective commitment to progress, unity, and the enduring spirit of the Darke County Agricultural Society.
Click here for photos of the ceremony