FREEPORT — The Stephenson County Fair Association (SCFA) held their monthly board meeting on Feb. 25 where a vote was passed to begin Phase 1 of upgrading the water lines on the fairgrounds.

“I have been with the fair for many years,” said Gary Mielke, Board President, “and the current water lines have been in place for longer than I can remember. It is time to replace the old lines and put in new instead of just putting on a band aid year after year.”

SCFA, a non-profit organization, was hesitant to take on such a large financial burden right now; however, water lines have broken many times in different locations on the grounds over the past few years making the replacement inevitable. This project will not only fix the leaks, but it will also help better serve fair exhibitors, vendors and the many other events held throughout the year.

Fischer Excavating, a long-time supporter of the fair, will begin digging the trenches to lay the new lines in March. Phase 1 of the project will involve the area between the FHN Grandstand and the Liberty Power commercial building, as well as running a new line from the city water supply on Fairgrounds Road to the well house. 

“These two areas are where we have had the most issues, so we thought it would be best to start there,” said Mielke. Other phases of the project will include new water lines to the livestock buildings, bathrooms, track and pit, camper row and food vendor buildings. A timeline for Phase 2 has not yet been decided.

To find out more about SCFA, becoming a sponsor, advertising on their digital sign, renting the grounds for an event or checking the Calendar of Events, please visit their website at www.stephensoncountyfair.org. 

Board meetings are held the fourth Thursday of each month. For any questions, call the Fair Office at 815-235-2918 or email in

fo@stephensoncountyfair.org. 

The 2021 Stephenson County Fair is scheduled for July 27-31.