MONROE — Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America, the Farm Credit cooperative’s giving program, is supporting county fairs with grants to improve facilities and experiences offered to rural communities across the Upper Midwest. 64 fairs received County Fair Facility Upgrade Grants this year, totaling $244,500. 

The Green County Agricultural Society and Mechanics Institute, also known as the Green County Fair, was awarded the grant in 2022, receiving $4,000 to upgrade the current lights to LED light fixtures in the fairground’s Exhibition Hall. 

“Our aim with these grants is to positively impact the future of our rural communities,” said Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist at Compeer Financial. “Fairs are the highlight of summer for many of these communities and we hope this will help provide the best possible experience for exhibitors and visitors as they enjoy this important tradition.”

Stephanie Huber, Green County Fair Sponsorship Chair, stated “[the LED lighting upgrade] makes a big difference. Individuals have already noticed the change and provided positive feedback”. Not only does the exhibition hall house a variety of exhibitors’ project entries during the week of the Green County Fair, it is also available for rent to host other community and private events throughout the year. 

Since the program was established in 2018, Compeer’s Financial’s Fund for Rural America has awarded 304 County Fair Facility Upgrade Grants for a total impact of over $944,742, touching the lives of 8.7 million fair organizers, participants and attendees. The Fund intends to offer this grant again in March 2023.