DOWNEY, ID – Bannock County is excited to announce the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand-new Bannock County Exhibit Hall, taking place Monday, August 4 at 5:00 p.m. at the Fairgrounds in Downey. The event will mark the official opening of a long-anticipated facility that restores a key element of the Bannock County Fair and enhances community resources in southern Bannock County.
Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to enjoy light refreshments, and then head over to the annual Free Potato Bar at 6:00 p.m. by the Covered Stage (Building 18). Parking is available in the general fairgrounds lot across from the new building at 225 W Center Street.
The new 8,500-square-foot facility replaces four former exhibit halls that were condemned due to age and safety concerns. The absence of exhibit space at last year’s fair left a noticeable void for 4-H displays, artwork, hand-sewn quilts, and local crafts. The new hall brings back a central feature of the fair and will serve as a year-round venue for community events.
Constructed on the south end of the fairgrounds, the modern multi-purpose building includes a 50-by-90-foot exhibit space, kitchen, meeting room, offices, storage rooms, and restrooms.
“This building is going to be a huge asset to our beloved county fair, as well as the citizens of Bannock County year-round. I’m excited to cut the ribbon and fill it with exhibits from our talented community members,” said Commissioner Ernie Moser.
The construction was led by Bannock County Director of Facilities Dan Kendall, with local contractors including Teton West of Idaho, KJ Acoustics, Charron AC, Legacy Fire Protection, Razor Electric, and Portneuf Valley Plumbing. It was funded through a combination of $1 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and $700,000 in local funding from Bannock County.
