Flint Township View

Genesee County Agricultural Society makes progress on future site

New pavilion dedicated at June 3 ceremony

MOUNT MORRIS TWP. — The Genesee County Agricultural Society held a dedication ceremony for its new Consumers Energy Pavilion on June 3, at the Agriplex, 2232 W. Mount Morris Rd. in Mount Morris Township.

The Pavilion – funded entirely by donations from Agricultural Society members, community members, and local businesses – is the first step toward providing a future relocation of the Genesee County Fair.

The greatest shares of contributions made to the Pavilion were through gifts made by Consumers Energy Foundation, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Dr. & Mrs. Christian Miller.

An original dedication, scheduled for October of 2020, was scrapped due to rising cases of COVID-19 throughout Michigan, which resulted in increased gathering restrictions.

Since its completion in July of 2020, the pavilion has hosted the Agricultural Society’s Show and Go Livestock and Equestrian Competitions during the summer of 2020, was host to the Vehicle City Jackpot Lamb and Goat Competition this spring, and provided winter storage opportunities to the public over the past year.

“With the disappointment of the Fair’s cancellation in 2020, “ said Executive Director Christian Miller, “the raising of the pavilion provided optimism in an otherwise dark period of time, and it allowed our volunteers to focus on hope for a brighter future for our event.”

The pavilion is part of an overall $6-million project for which the Agricultural Society continues to fundraise and seek grant contributions.

The 51-acre site, purchased in 2001, will provide the organization with year-round opportunities for the community and will provide a more sustainable future for the Genesee County Fair.

This year’s Genesee County Fair is Aug. 23-29 and will take place at the EA Cummings Center, in Genesee Township, where the event has been held since 1968. — G.G.