Garrett County Fair Board Awarded $20,000 State Grant

courtesy Republican News


Sep. 4, 2008

Gov. Martin O'Malley announced Friday that the state has approved a $20,000 grant to help fund a strategic economic development study of the Garrett County Fairgrounds.
"Agriculture is an important part of the county's economy and a big influence with regard to our heritage and culture," said Denny Glotfelty, chairman of the Board of Garrett County Commissioners. "This grant will help sustain and promote interest in agriculture-related activities and businesses throughout the county."

Awarded through the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED), the grant is being used in conjunction with matching funds from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and $8,600 from Garrett County government and the Fair Board.

The study will help determine if the fairgrounds and its buildings are being fully utilized, while maintaining its main function as an agricultural and community center.

"The board is pleased the study is being funded by DBED, ARC, and Garrett County," said Debra Friend, president of the board of directors of the Garrett County Agriculture Fair Inc. "We recognize that increasing the utilization of the fairground facilities will contribute to the continued viability of the fair itself, as well as make space available to county residents and businesses in which to hold a variety of events."

The five-month study is being conducted by HOK Smith Forkner, Knoxville, Tenn., which has been responsible for the planning and design of over 180 fairgrounds throughout the U.S., including the Maryland State Fair, Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, and the state fair of Virginia.

"This grant represents a continuing commitment to support rural Maryland's agricultural industry by maximizing the opportunities the Garrett County Fairgrounds can offer to residents and businesses," said O'Malley. "We are pleased to leverage state funding with ARC and our local partners for this important study."


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