Our legacy project involves two parts. First portion would go to the purchase of four iPads for our Fine Arts/Photography and Agriculture/Horticulture Departments. They would be used for our open class departments for registration, judging, and placements. The second portion would go towards the sound proofing of our Township Square Stage. This is an outdoor performance stage that is used by many varieties of performers: bands, magicians, jugglers, balloon artists, competitions, etc.
Our legacy project will be free stage presentations throughout the fair August 2-6, 2023. We will have a mixture of Minnesota bands and youth education with a raptor presentation.
1) On our large stage we would like to build a small dressing room for performers as they have no place to be ready to perform. 2) Get a portable PA system for the free stage; 3) Hire a Paul Bunyan performer.
Our project for the legacy grant would be to purchase a new performance stage for our Entertainment Center. Our current stage floor is falling apart and is no longer conducive to our needs. We are in need of a safer and larger stage area that has stairs for those using it. Our current stage doesn't have stairs. This will impact all of our performers and programs we have on this stage during the fair.
To better highlight local talent by making the exhibits of the creative activities more visible and engaging to fair visitors. Funds will be used to improve lighting by upgrading wiring and fixtures, adding electrical hookups to allow spotlights on specific displays, and installing a glass board.
To provide educational and entertaining events that showcase the many diverse cultures of Stevens County, and purchase a sound system to enhance performances and demonstrations.
To construct a portable stage that can be used for arts, cultural heritage, and Minnesota history programming at different fairground locations, and to commission a local artist to paint a mural depicting fair related activities.
To improve lighting in the the building that houses horticulture and FFA projects at the Dodge County Free Fair. Funds will also be used to construct a mobility ramp, allowing fairgoers with mobility restrictions to access exhibits showcasing local work.
Funding supports an Irrigation Specialist to develop guidance and provide education on irrigation and nitrogenbest management practices (BMPs). In this position, Dr. Vasu Sharma provides direct support to irrigators onissues of irrigation scheduling and soil water monitoring. She is collaborating on the development of new irrigationscheduling tools that help irrigators manage water and nitrogen resources more precisely. These tools help reducenitrogen leaching losses in irrigated cropping systems.
To recognize outstanding senior citizens in Sibley County. Attendees can listen to a polka band and watch the awards ceremony. Funds will also be used to upgrade stage lighting and install a sound system to enhance the programming.
Additionally, funds will enhance the fine arts exhibits in the Horticulture Building. Upgraded lighting and new display cases will improve the visibility of photography, quilt and needlework entries.
To construct an Arts and Heritage Center on the fair grounds. The Sibley County Fair will erect an Arts and Heritage Center with a 40 foot stage and two dressing rooms. The building will primarily serve as an educational arts and culture center for the fair. The fair will present acts on the stage from six to eight hours per day during the fair.
To rehabilitate the original horse racing judges’ stand. The stand is the last relic of the 143 year old fair grounds and dates back to the late 1800’s. The stand is comprised of a first story entry and refreshment area, and an upper section for judging the races. It’s 360 degree observation of the track was made possible by its hexagon shape and large doors that could be lifted when needed on each side. This is the first stage of the multi-year restoration of this prized building and is an important part of the plan to initiate a daily educational program at the fair.
To offer new arts and history programming at the Stevens County Fair. Demonstrations will include soap making, butter churning, and how to make candle and games.
