Miller County agriculture groups combine grant money for fair project

Three Miller County agriculture groups plan to make improvements to the Miller County Fairgrounds.

Eldon FFA, T-Town 4-H of Tuscumbia and Spring Garden 4-H of Olean each received a $500 grant from the Department of Agriculture's Building Our American Communities program, marked for upgrades to current facilities, grounds or parks at the Miller County Fairgrounds.

Combined, the $1,500 will bring more lights and electrical outlets, a speaker system, and ground work to the fairgrounds in Eldon.

Nineteen groups in the state were awarded funds for projects.

Jennifer Kempker, a University of Missouri Extension county engagement specialist, said the groups saw the need after problems during last year's Miller County Fair.

"These fairgrounds are very old," Kempker said. "When we were all talking about some things we were wanting to do, we all got our heads together and decided which projects we needed."

The river near the fairgrounds caused flooding near the livestock barn. Part of the project will be to keep the water from building up.

Group members and their families have volunteered to do the work they can to complete the project. Currently, 206 youth are in 4-H in the county and more than 100 in Eldon FFA.

FFA advisor Kent Shikles said the youth and community will benefit from the improvements. Students will gain hands-on experience throughout the process.

"This grant is going to work to benefit the fairgrounds for FFA and 4-H," Shikles said.

This year's fair is scheduled July 23-27. Kempker said they plan to begin the project soon and complete it before the fair. The Department of Agriculture requires projects be completed by Aug. 1.