The Barton County Fair Association had requested the County Commission chip in $5,000 to help it pay the $7,969.33 cost for improvements to its Expo III building at the Great Bend Expo Complex. However, commissioners Wednesday morning approved covering the entire project, plus an additional $500 for advertising, for a total of $8,469.33.

In its 2023 budget request, the fair association detailed a need to improve emergency exits and lighting, as well as accessibility, to the building, County Administrator Matt Patzner said. However, he said the money will be above and beyond the budget funding sought.

Fair Association Treasurer Kate Wary said she has written the check, but the work has yet to be done. 

“They need to be made before the fair starts,” she said. “The building is not up to code.”

The Barton County Fair runs from July 5-9, and she said the upgrades should be done by then.

“I’m all in favor of supporting the Barton County Fair,” commission Chairman Shawn Hutchinson said. He then recommended they offer the full amount.

There are stipulations on the advertising money. This marks the first time since 2019 that there will be a carnival at the fair, and the funds must be used to promote that.