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Since 1834, the Pickaway County Fairgrounds have played a crucial role as a regional economic driver, a hub for agriculture, and a gathering place for the community. However, by 2017, the facilities at the Fairgrounds no longer showcased the positive impact they had on the community they were meant to support. Many of the structures at the Fairgrounds, constructed between the 1940s and 1960s, had become outdated, in a state of disrepair, and some were deemed unsafe and unstable.
That’s when Pickaway County Leaders approached Cramer & Associates with a vision to revitalize their beloved Fairgrounds. This vision was designed to not only give exhibitors, livestock, and spectators the fair experience they deserve each summer, but it would also give the Fairgrounds the ability to host events and activities year-round for the whole community.
Cramer conducted a feasibility study to test a $12 million vision that included the construction of a 20,000-square foot arena, a 37,800-square foot show pavilion, a 1,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, multiple new animal barns, a picnic pavilion, and a large space for outdoor rides and events.
Our study recommendations included a campaign strategy driven by a partnership among four main leadership entities: The Pickaway County Agricultural Society, Pickaway County Commissioners, a dedicated Fundraising Committee, and the Pickaway County Community Foundation. The study also highlighted the necessity to shift the community’s narrow view of the Fairgrounds. Therefore, we proposed anchoring the Growing Together campaign with updated messaging that emphasized the ongoing community benefits of a revitalized Fairgrounds and its contribution to maintaining agriculture as a key economic force in the region for future generations.
The campaign evolved into a public-private partnership when Pickaway County contributed $7 million to the project, leaving a philanthropic campaign goal of $5 million. Cramer worked with Campaign leadership to engage local businesses, families, and foundations to support the Growing Together campaign. Regular donor tours of the Fairgrounds to highlight the need and the vision became a strong cultivation tool throughout each stage of the campaign.
We officially broke ground at the conclusion of the June 2018 Pickaway County Fair. In 12 short months, The Pickaway Agricultural and Event Center hosted the first Pickaway County Fair the following year in June 2019 with new facilities!
The Growing Together campaign successfully secured the $12 million funds to revitalize the Pickaway County Fairgrounds, ensuring long-term community service. It also established a lasting culture of philanthropy at the Fairgrounds. With a renewed awareness of the crucial role the Fairgrounds play as an inspiration for future agricultural leaders in the region, the Pickaway County Fairgrounds crossed the campaign finish line and now have continued fundraising success every year.
Your cause is our cause. We’re in it with you, from concept to completion. Because we care just as much about your mission and goals as you do.
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© 2024 Cramer & Associates. All rights reserved.
Subscribe to our newsletter for our latest blog posts, Cramer happenings, resources, news from our partners, and more.
Your cause is our cause. We’re in it with you, from concept to completion. Because we care just as much about your mission and goals as you do.
Subscribe to our newsletter for our latest blog posts, Cramer happenings, resources, news from our partners, and more.
© 2022 Cramer & Associates. All rights reserved.
