Benton County Fairgrounds to host public meeting on design of new facilities

The Benton County Event Center and Fairgrounds is hosting a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, October 26, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. LRS Architects will facilitate and lead discussions to gather input from the community on the architectural design of a new exhibit hall and covered arena, to ensure that they will support the needs of future community events and activities. The meeting will be available through Zoom at: https://www.bceventcentercorvallis.net/p/about/in-the-press; no pre-registration is required.

Benton County Fairgrounds has been an important gathering place and location for public events in the County for more than 100 years. The buildings, utilities and grounds at the event center have suffered from years of deferred maintenance. In 2019, the Benton County Event Center and Fairgrounds Facilities Master Plan was updated and approved by the Board of Commissioners. The master plan addresses facility needs and includes recommendations to help the County achieve the Fairgrounds’ mission to operate a community event center that serves both residents and visitors. The master plan calls for covering the outdoor arena to make it operational for year-round rodeo and equine events, and converting the indoor arena into an exhibit hall. 

The Benton County Fairgrounds Master Plan Study and Benton County Event Center and Fairgrounds Facilities Master Plan Implementation Proposal are available at: https://www.bceventcentercorvallis.net/p/about/in-the-press.

Individuals who are unable to attend the meeting can submit written comments to the Benton County Natural Areas, Parks and Events Department office by email at fairinfo@bentoncountyfair.net or phone at 541-766-6521 through Friday, October 29.