The Coos County Fair in Myrtle Point is a vital event for the community and its youths. It provides a platform for Oregon State University Extension Service 4-H members in the county to showcase their skills in various project areas, such as animal science, gardening and cooking.
This hands-on experience is crucial for their personal and professional development, helping them build essential life skills. The fair also brings the community together, allowing families, friends and neighbors to celebrate local achievements. Additionally, the fairgrounds provide a space for 4-H educational activities and workshops that enhance the learning experience for everyone involved.
The successful completion of this project demonstrates the power of community collaboration and the dedication of volunteers to support the growth and development of young people in Coos County.
Over time, the fairgrounds' animal facilities became worn out and unsafe, with a growing list of safety concerns and Americans Disabilities Act accessibility upgrades. The county didn’t have the budget or personnel to make the necessary repairs. Recognizing the importance of the fairgrounds for educational programming, several 4-H volunteers decided in 2017 to take the lead on fundraising and making repairs. Their primary goals were to address safety concerns and improve ADA accessibility.
The volunteers partnered with the county fair board, nonprofit organizations, foundation, and community members to undertake this seven-year project. The project budget averaged about $10,000 to $15,000 per year, funded by community donations and grants from private foundations. Local businesses also provided in-kind donations of materials and labor, valued at an additional $10,000 to $15,000 per year.
The renovation project began with the poultry barn from 2017 to 2019. During this period, Extension 4-H volunteers repaired the concrete floors, shelves for the cages, and replaced broken and rusty cages. They also replaced water containers for the cages and repaired the leaky roofs and gutters. Following the poultry barn, the focus shifted to the rabbit barn from 2019 to 2022. Similar repairs were made, ensuring the facilities were safe and functional for the animals and 4-H members.
From 2021 to 2023, the repair efforts concentrated on the horse barns. Volunteers replaced rotten beams, rafters, and posts to secure the barn framing and repaired the leaky roofs. These improvements were essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the barns and ensuring the safety of the animals and participants.
In 2023 and 2024, the project expanded to include the replacement of steel livestock panels around the perimeters of the livestock and horse arenas. New bleachers were installed for spectators, enhancing the viewing experience during events. Additionally, one of the livestock wash racks was rebuilt, with a new concrete slab and improved drainage system. The wash rack capacity was expanded from four to 10 animals, accommodating more participants during events.
The primary goals of the renovations were to improve safety and ADA accessibility. Both were greatly enhanced across the fairgrounds' animal facilities. Now, Coos County 4-H and many other organizations can continue to use the facilities safely for educational programming and community events for many years to come.
The successful completion of this project demonstrates the power of community collaboration and the dedication of volunteers to support the growth and development of young people in Coos County. The improved facilities will ensure that the Coos County Fair remains a cornerstone event, fostering skill development, community engagement and lifelong learning for future generations.
