The 162nd annual Monroe County Fair will open Aug. 20, but it might do so without a grandstand.
Damages that occurred at the fairgrounds when destructive winds blew through the Buckeye State on June 29 are under study and were discussed Monday during the Monroe County Board of Commissioners' meeting.
In the tradition that "the show must go on," scheduled shows at the fair will go on, even if it isn't possible to use the grandstand.
It hasn't been determined if the grandstand will be usable, and this won't be decided until an engineer does further checking on the fair facility.
Joining in the discussion with commissioners about the matter were fair board members John Ackerman and Charles Schaffer.
Commissioner Carl Davis said "a good bit of structural damage not evident when the adjuster was here" has been discovered, so an engineer will look over the situation. Because of the structural problems, "there is a possibility we may have a fair without a grandstand," he said.
"If the engineer comes in and pronounces it sound, we might be able to put it to use," he added. "The fair board is making arrangements for bleacher seating. We'll still have bleacher seating or something for the shows."
Noting the wooden grandstand is on a concrete foundation, Davis explained, "After the adjuster was here, fair board members noticed structural damage to the concrete."
The commissioner described the grandstand damage as moderate but added, "Once we get the engineer in, we may change that."
In other matters, a major paving project and an economic development proposal were eyed by the commissioners.
County Engineer Lonnie Tustin was present for a bid opening concerning paving 1.35 miles of Monroe 41, Crane's Nest Sugartree Road; 2.54 miles of Monroe 45, Moose Ridge Road; and 1.70 miles of Monroe 85, Paulus Ridge Road.
The engineer's estimate for these paving projects was $539,186.84, and two bids were received. Bidders were Shelly and Sands of Rayland, $414,533.05, and Lash Paving Inc. of Colerain, $499,795.90. The bids were to be reviewed.
Also discussed at the meeting was the Beallsville Emergency Squad vehicle, which was demolished during the June 29 storm. David Kuhn of the Monroe County Emergency Medical Services Association talked with commissioners about the vehicle, possible replacement alternatives and costs.
