It was an evening of fun, festivities, and raising money for the Custer County Ag Society on Saturday, January 29 as they held the 6th Annual Custer County Ag Society Winter Ball. Funds this year were chosen to be allocated to a large, expensive, and needed project at the fairgrounds.
Earlier this year, Fairgrounds Administrator Michelle Nelson announced the Ag Society Board had chosen to allocate the funds raised at the Winter Ball to making the grandstands and south bathroom ADA accessible.
Weeks before the event was scheduled to be held, it was announced all the tickets had been sold out and Michelle told KCNI/KBBN on Saturday evening there was so much interest, they added four additional tables.
Ag Society President Kent Nelson said it would not be possible to be successful without the support of the community.
“I want to thank everyone for coming and everyone who supports us. We couldn’t do this without the support and without the volunteers and donors and all the support they give us,” said Kent.
While there are still details to be worked out as to who will be the contractor for the project and the cost, Michelle Nelson said the ADA-accessible seating will likely be in front of the grandstands. She said “more than likely” a platform will be built up in front of the current grandstands on the east side and handicap parking will also be added.
In addition, the restroom south of the grandstands will be demolished and an ADA accessible restroom will be built underneath the grandstands. Michelle indicated this project is past due.
“We need to make that [the grandstands] more handicap friendly and try to put some restrooms under the grandstands that are also ADA compliant,” she said.
While the total amount of money raised has not yet been completed, according to Michelle the auction proceeds totaled an astounding $29,757.50, which will all go toward the grandstands project. Kent said the plan is to break ground this summer, but a completion date has not yet been determined.
If you are interested in donating to the Custer County Ag Society, please contact Michelle Nelson at (308) 870-2493.
