Midland County Fair Receives $100k Grant for Enhanced Security and Safety Measures

The Midland County Fair in Michigan has been granted $100,000 by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to implement safety and security upgrades. This funding initiative, which distributed over $1.5 million among 23 county fairs in the state, aims to support structural enhancements and other renovations.

The Midland County Fair plans to utilize the grant to install a speaker system and fiber cabling, according to Nic Hall, the fair's manager. Hall expressed his excitement and gratitude for the grant, stating that it will expedite a project that would have otherwise taken several years to accomplish.

The new speaker system will significantly improve sound quality for announcements and enhance communication between the main office and the fairgrounds during emergencies. Additionally, the fiber cabling will facilitate this process and enable improved internet service for the fairgrounds.

The current speakers at the fairgrounds are outdated, making updates necessary to align with modern technology. Hall emphasized the importance of staying up-to-date and acknowledged the challenges posed by the incompatibility of the existing system with newer technology.

In the coming months, wireless access points will be strategically placed in high-traffic areas of the fairgrounds, such as the horse track, to provide reliable internet connectivity. The installation of the speakers and fiber cabling is expected to be completed by August, with plans for wireless access points to be added by the following spring.

Hall expressed his gratitude for the financial support, emphasizing the significance of such grants in enabling crucial projects that enhance the fair experience and ensure safety in today's fast-paced world.

Other fairs in the region also received grants, with the Gladwin County Fair receiving $57,000 for a livestock swine and sheep barn project, and the Clare County Agricultural Society being awarded $49,500 for building improvements. These investments highlight the commitment to continuously improve and upgrade fair facilities throughout the region.

Photo Credit: Midland County Fair