The Douglas County Fair was a successful showcase of the new fairgrounds facilities. Now, the challenge for county officials is to identify and attract events that can use the facilities during other times of the year.

This was the first year the fair has been held in the new fairground facilities, completed earlier this year. The $7.95 million renovation project included the addition of the $2.75 million Open Pavilion, the $1.75 million complete renovation of the outdoor arena and the addition of the 7,600-square-foot Jim Flory Meeting Hall. Parking spaces and 16 RV campsites were added. New restrooms were added and all facilities were updated to ensure ADA compliance.

Members of the Douglas County Fair board of directors were pleased with the results of the first fair at the renovated fairgrounds.

Shane Newell, president of the fair’s board of directors, said traffic moved smoothly thanks to new sidewalks, livestock shows moved more quickly, and the Open Air Pavilion provided more comfort to participants, spectators and livestock. Volunteers supervising the different shows also said they were better attended, with the llama show Thursday morning said to be the best-attended ever.

The fair was a test run of sorts, Newell said. Now, the county can feel comfortable marketing the venue for other events.

“We have world-class facilities,” Newell said. “With that comes the responsibility to have world-class events. I think we’ll see some big additions in the next year or two.”

The renovations give the fairgrounds 42,000 square feet of enclosed, dirt surface space in the Community Building, 52,000 square feet of three-season concrete surfaced space in the Open Pavilion and an Outdoor Arena that seats 1,935 people and can host a variety of events including rodeos, tractor pulls, demolition derbies and BMX bike races.

There generally has been demand for events at the fairgrounds nearly every weekend, said Sarah Plinsky, assistant Douglas County administrator. Because of that, the county historically has not marketed the fairgrounds.

That’s changing now, as the county looks to pull in larger events at the fairgrounds. Toward that end, the county is working closely with eXplore Lawrence to attract large livestock associations or motor-sport organizations that book events years in advance.

The Douglas County Fair was a successful test run for the new fairgrounds facilities. Landing a few more large events at the venue will ensure the county gets a return on its investment in the improvements.