ASHLAND, OH – The Ashland County Fairgrounds has embarked on a significant fundraising campaign to build a new Civic Center, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at enhancing community events and gatherings. Marty Wesner, president of the Ashland County Agricultural Society board, announced the initiative, highlighting the extensive planning and community consultation that shaped the project.
Vision for the Future
During the launch event, Wesner shared, “We got a committee together about two years ago and started working on this. We went around to half a dozen different fairs, different other event centers, and we talked to them and picked out the pluses and minuses for what they wanted in a building and what we were thinking about to design our building. This is the design we came up with.”
The proposed 35,000-square-foot Civic Center will include a 20,000-square-foot event space capable of accommodating up to 800 people, a full-service kitchen, and the flexibility to host two events simultaneously. The project will involve the demolition of the old Moselle Hall, built in 1955, and the hobby building, formerly the original grandstands from the 1930s.
Community Support and Economic Development
Ashland Mayor Matt Miller highlighted the importance of the new Civic Center for the county’s growth. “A climate-controlled building that can be used year-round, with modern amenities, will handle the new technology required for conferences and trade shows,” Miller said. He also acknowledged the efforts of Representative Melanie Miller and Mark Romanchuk in securing an initial $1.1 million state grant for the project.
The facility is expected to attract more events to Ashland, providing an economic boost to local businesses and enhancing the county’s appeal. “Most people in this room would agree that our city and county are growing. As we continue to grow, it only makes sense that we would need a facility like this,” Mayor Miller added.
Broad-Based Fundraising Effort
The ambitious $7 million project aims to raise an additional $6 million through community contributions. Ashland County Commissioner President Denny Bittle emphasized the critical role of collective effort. “It will take a lot of fundraising. We need everybody's help—small contributions, larger gifts, everything counts,” Bittle stated.
The Civic Center’s potential uses include educational venues, corporate events, weddings, trade shows, and community gatherings. It is also envisioned as an emergency shelter and a hub for local organizations such as 4H clubs and civic groups.
Campaign Leadership and Community Engagement
Campaign Chair Natalie Goschinski expressed optimism about the project’s success. “We have a great team, we have great energy, and I think we’ll bring it home,” she said, acknowledging the extensive planning and research involved. The campaign aims to complete the fundraising by 2025, with the goal of celebrating the center’s grand opening during the 175th anniversary of the fair, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The fundraising campaign invites all community members to participate. “Your $100 is going to be invaluable. Your $50 will be invaluable. Every contribution helps us get closer to making this vision a reality,” Goschinski emphasized.
The launch event included a presentation of the building’s design and potential uses, reinforcing the community-driven spirit of the initiative.
For more information on how to contribute to the Ashland County Civic Center project, visit the Ashland County Fairgrounds website or contact the Fair office at (419) 289-0466.
Commentaires