The Trumbull County Fair hosted a ribbon cutting for its new 4H building at the county fairgrounds Monday. The unveiling came three years after Trumbull County commissioners deemed the old structure unsafe and had it demolished. 

The new construction was paid for with $685,000 in American Rescue Plan funds. Trumbull County secured $850,000 for the project, and the fair’s board director, Kierstin Holmes, said the rest will be used for other projects at the fairground.

The new 4H facility includes meeting rooms, bathrooms and showers inside for kids competing in horse shows. Plus, a two-story viewing area overlooking the ring will host judges and announcers during the competitions. 

The fair doesn't start until July 8, but the building has already been put to use.

“We actually did a soft opening this weekend, used it during our Dusty Boots show,” Holmes said. “It went over great. Everybody loved it.”

Holmes said children in the 4H program will benefit from the new space even after the fair is over.

“The kids will be able to use this for all their 4H meetings, for any events that they have, if they want to have fundraisers down here,” Holmes said. “This building will be available for them to use throughout the year. We don't have heating in it yet for winter, but we hope to do that eventually so that they can utilize it 365 days a year.”

Those attending the fair, which runs from July 8-13, can find even more new additions across the grounds this year. Two demo derbies will take place, and new shows will feature dinosaurs, live animals, clowns and more.