By SHELLY STRAUTZ-SPRINGBORN

Michigan Correspondent

LOWELL, Mich. — After more than 80 years as a fixture in downtown Lowell, The Kent County Youth Fair is on track to move to a new location in 2020.

Since 1935, children from throughout the county have flocked to Recreation Park to show animals and other exhibits at the fair. While a move has been discussed for several years, it is about to become reality, according to Fair Manager Jessica Marks.

“In 1935, we had approximately 66 acres of land for our fairgrounds,” she said. “As the city of Lowell has grown, we have had to help accommodate that growth. Today we operate on about 19 acres, and we are running out of room.”

Marks also said with the current fairgrounds located on two rivers, the site often battles flooding. This sometimes makes portions of the property unusable during the fair, which is each year in August.

The site houses several animal barns, show arenas, a carnival and vendor area, campsites and parking, with additional parking across Hudson Street. Exhibitors compete in a variety of events that enhance their presentation skills, demonstrate their dedication to agriculture and farming and showcase their talents.

They learn valuable skills such as responsibility, a good work ethic and leadership.

Marks said serious discussion about moving the location has been ongoing for about 10 years, and the fair recently purchased Deer Run Golf Course – the third location to be considered during that timeframe. The property is south of Lowell on Cascade Road, neatly situated between two exits on Interstate 96.

“When we were considering our new location, we wanted to stay within the Lowell ZIP Code to help preserve some of the rich heritage of the fair,” Marks said. “This location keeps us in our home base.”

Deer Run will continue to operate on the property until its lease expires in spring 2019. At that time, the Kent County Youth Agricultural Assoc. will take full possession of the property and buildings, and construction will begin.

Marks said road improvements and installation of some driveways may begin this summer. The site plan currently is being reviewed by the Lowell Township Planning Commission.

The fair received a $2.5 million grant from the Michigan Department of Talent and Economic Development to support the project, as well as a $250,000 gift from the Wege Foundation. To date, nearly $3 million has been raised to fund the project. In addition, the group kicked off its public phase of its capital campaign on April 23 to raise additional money.

“We have now really opened the campaign up and we are following up with all those who are interested,” said Campaign Committee Operational Chair John Schut. “The fair is a great opportunity for kids and the community. We want to continue that tradition.”

The project is divided into three phases, of which Marks said phases 1 and 2 must be completed to be able to hold the fair at the new location. These provide for development of the site including the purchase of the land; installation of driveways, utilities, lights, fencing, campgrounds and club house updates; construction of an administration and community building; and construction of an exhibition arena, swine barn, horse arena, campgrounds bathroom and a cattle barn.

The total estimated cost of phases 1 and 2 is nearly $7.1 million.

Phase 3 calls for additional site development, as well as construction of pavilions, exhibition, bath and food halls and barns to house horses, sheep, goats, rabbits, poultry, cattle and alpacas. The estimated cost is more than $6 million for Phase 3.

Donors have several options to support the “Raising Barns, Building Youth” campaign. Pledges may be made over a three-year span, and one-time gifts are also accepted. Donors may pay online at www.kcyf.org/raising-barns

The website also offers updates on grounds layouts and financial budgets for the project, as well as donor recognition benefits, including levels that have the option of naming rights at the new fairgrounds.

This year’s Kent County Youth Fair will be Aug. 6-11. Visit www.kcyf.org for more information.