CUSTER COUNTY–New restrooms are a top priority at the Custer County Fairgrounds and they will be built this year thanks to the generosity shown at the third annual Agricultural (Ag) Society Winter Ball.
Almost 300 people filled the One Box Convention Center in Broken Bow and enjoyed prime rib, live and silent auctions, and live music.
Saturday night’s event will kick off another year of projects and improvements at the Custer County Fairgrounds, according to Ag Society board treasurer Ron Chytka.
“There’s several little projects that we’re doing in 2019 and we’re going to try to fulfill those just like we did in 2018–so we’re going after it!” Chytka said.
Now in his fourth year as board president, Kent Nelson said he is proud of all of the improvements made at the fairgrounds. He and board secretary Scott Reynolds told KCNI/KBBN they are grateful for the community support year after year.
“It’s amazing. I mean, words can’t describe how fortunate–as a board–that we feel to have a turnout like this,” Nelson said.
“It’s like any event we have, whenever we ask for help around the fairgrounds the community is there to back us up and that means so much to us. We’re making improvements but people are seeing those improvements and really appreciating the improvements,” Reynolds said.
This year’s funds will go toward building an ADA restroom and shower complex in the fairground park area. Other 2019 projects include a PA system in Trotter Arena, new speakers for the indoor arena, and upgrades to the beef barns among others.
Jim Eberle served as the auctioneer during the event’s live auction which featured numerous special items. The Holeman family donated a bronze statue that June Holeman had won at Calgary.
For a combined more than $1,800, a handmade lamp, coffee table, and end table with lamp were sold to various bidders who wanted to take home a piece of the fairgrounds. Before the new stall barn was built, an old cottonwood tree had to be cut down at the fairgrounds and Jeff Johnson used the tree to create the beautiful furniture.
The evening ended with music performed by Westerville native Tazalea Scott and Kearney band Fly-Over. This next year is sure to be another busy year at the fairgrounds with more improvements to be made that will last for generations to come.
“It’s not because of the board, it’s because of the community. The community support has been tremendous. And the county, the support goes county wide. It’s neat to see and it’s fun to see progress,” Reynolds and Nelson said.
Fairgrounds Improvements made in recent years according to Nelson:
“The renovation in Trotter area, the beef wash racks, the flagpole from the Rotary, the picnic shelter from the Elks Club, insulation in the stall barn, work to the roads and got them updated, the list goes on an on no matter how big or how little of a project we’ve accomplished quite a bit and I’m proud of that,” Nelson said.
