A New Grandstand

There were few permanent structures erected in time for the first Clay County Fair in 1918.  Those of note were the Women's Building and the first grandstand.  Both served their purpose for a number of years, but as the fair continued to grow, there were new additions and changes.

First Grandstand.  Also visible are the Women's Building and the Agricultural Building

The Agricultural Building, which is still in place today, was erected in 1923, at a cost of $16,642.99.  The canned and baked goods departments were moved here from the Women's building, and the Township Booths were to be located on the second floor.

By 1931, it was felt that a new grandstand was needed to replace the original, as there was not enough seating capacity to accommodate the thousands who daily flocked to see acts, stage shows, horse and car races.  A new, all steel and concrete grandstand was built at a cost of $45,000, which would seat 5,000 people comfortably.  It was felt that the new grandstand, still being used today, represented one of the most ambitious undertakings ever attempted by a county fair in the nation.

The opening at the front of the new stand looked out to the north and proved a view of the entire race track from any seat.  It also proved a perfect view from every seat for the big open air stage in the infield where acts and spectacular shows were presented.  The new stand was placed on the south side of the track and slightly east of the center line so that a long view of the home stretch was possible.  To the west was a 130-foot section of the old grandstand, and to the east, a 90-foot section.  The combined stands provided for the seating of 7,640 persons.

The structural engineers and architects hailed from Chicago, however, local firms did the construction.  The general contracts for the new stand was awarded to the Spencer Construction Company.  The 20,000 square feet of metal roof and other sheet metal accessories were placed under a sub-contract held by Christians Sheet Metal Works of Spencer.  The concrete piers and supports and other concrete work about the stand were erected by A.P. Nelson, Spncer contractor.  Electrical wiring was done by the Kritz Electric service of Spencer.

That first year, 1931, the under-structure of the grandstand was used as a rest area for fair visitors.  By 1934, the rear of the grandstand was enclosed at a cost of $7,500.  It was to be known as the Automotive and Industrial Hall and would house the large automobile show and other exhibits.

In 1936, there was further change made to the grandstand.  The sections from the original grandstand, which had been used on either side of the new structure, were torn down.  A $25,000 addition was added to the west of the covered section, and matched in construction and height to the main stand.  A covered areaway entrance to both stands was a part of the new addition.  The stand was erected as a WPA project with the fair and federal government sharing the costs.

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