Benton Franklin Fair Association History

The Fair Association has been a partner in the fairgrounds from its inception, assisting with infrastructure and facilities improvements at the Fairgrounds, and continues to accept that challenge. The Fair Association directs its resources and efforts with the goal of increasing fair and rodeo attendance and to provide a suitable venue for all kinds of events, both large and small. The Fair Association has helped with many of the improvements made at the Fairgrounds, through monetary and in-kind donations solicited from individuals and organizations. The Fair Association also deeded 17 acres of improved Fairgrounds property to Benton County several years ago, demonstrating the dedication of the Fair Association to cooperatively improve and enhance the Fairgrounds.

In the past three decades, improvements to the Fairgrounds and its infrastructure have been substantial. The Fair Association and its volunteers have gratuitously contributed the following improvements:

• Livestock buildings
  • Beef Barn
  • Swine Barn & wash rack
  • Sale and Show Barn
  • Llama Barn
  • 4-H & FFA Sheep Barn and Open Class Sheep & Goat Barn
  • Large animal wash rack
  • Rabbit and Poultry Barn
  • Agricultural Building #1
• The Kay Smith horse barn
• Improvements to the haul-in barn (adding 20 stalls to the building)
• Sixty-five RV camping spots with electrical and water hook-ups
• Bleachers & covered spectator area at the 4-H horse arena
• Bleachers in front of the main grandstand for 750 spectators
• Enclosing the top of the grandstand and adding heating and cooling systems
• Building a seating area above the bucking chutes
• Constructing a new announcer’s stand in the arena
• Purchasing and installing a complete set of holding and sorting pens for rodeo events
• Constructing a new 30’x30’ covered building that can be used for year-round events such as picnics, weddings, etc.
• Adding electrical service to RV parking on the east end of property (approximately 50 spaces)
• A $20,000 donation to Benton County  for the building facade project
• Purchasing new bleachers for the Zoo Crew seating area at the rodeo, with assistance from Benton County.
• Donating paint to continue the barn red theme at the Fairgrounds
• Donating new fencing for the fairgrounds perimeter
• Donating stain for the facades of wood-sided exhibit buildings in 2010
• Construction of a new exit sidewalk, turnstile repair and new illuminated Exit sign in 2010
• Construction of a new viewing platform and scoreboard stand at the rodeo arena in 2009-2010