New Equestrian Center will debut at GJCF

     With the Great Jones County Fair just a week away, the new Equestrian Center is ready for business.

     The horse arena was the brainchild of Shawn Lambertsen. After attending the Horse Show last year at the fair, Lambertsen wanted to see a roof put over the outdoor arena.

     “The roof was the initial concept,” said GJCF Manager John Harms. “Once we sold that concept, we wanted to address amenities that were also needed in that area.”

     As that idea won some votes among the Fair Board, the project expanded to adding an enclosed facility with restrooms, showers, a kitchen and a second floor. The facility overlooks the horse arena, allowing spectators to look out as the 4-H and FFA youth take part in the Horse Show.

     Prior to the Equestrian Center, those attending and watching the show stood or sat in the heat with no cover.

     “It was always so hot out there,” remarked Harms. “No air movement.”

     The facility will also include an office/registration area.

     While the interior is not 100 percent complete, the 4-H food stand will have an additional stand inside.

     “You may see some insulation and bare studs at this point,” warned Harms.

     This new Equestrian Center would also not have been possible without the financial backing of two prominent area organizations: Jones County Farm Bureau and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

     “These two companies are attached at the hip,” said Harms of their partnerships. “Farm Bureau is the largest distributor of Wellmark products.

     “Their working relationship is very deep and well founded in many communities, including Jones County.”

     Harms said having both agencies’ names on the Equestrian Center “is a natural fit.

     “We have a good working relationship with both,” he added.

     This new feature on the fairgrounds is not just about showcasing horses; Harms said it’s more about the story of agriculture.

     He anticipates additional use of the facility outside of fair week. Scherrman’s Implement plans to host an educational seminar in the arena prior to harvest season.

     “They also have the opportunity to serve food inside,” urged Harms. “People are already inquiring about graduation parties next spring.”

     The Open Horse Show, which typically takes place on Saturday during the fair, is now moved to Monday, July 17 at 4 p.m. Despite the evening time, Harms said the new LED lighting will be nice for photos as well.

     The arena is 140-by-240 feet.

     “It’s much bigger and has a roof over it,” Harms said of the former arena. “I’m very pleased with it all, and the roof will make a world of difference for the exhibitors and livestock.”

     The building, complete with geothermal heating and cooling, measures 36-by-72 feet. The upper deck inside the facility is 16-by-72 feet.

     “It’s a big enough space for tables and chairs so people can eat during the show,” said Harms.

     He admitted the second-floor concept wasn’t something he would have thought of before now.

     “It just made a lot of sense,” Harms said.

     The building was well thought out, too, with the fairgrounds located in the flood plain.

     “It’ll keep us high and dry,” offered Harms.

     The footings and walls were built into the ground, much like the basement of a house. Should the building take on water, the only thing needing sandbags would be the two openings for the doors. The electrical units were placed high enough above the highest flood level from 2010. Harms explained the builders use metal studs versus wood just for this reason, too.

     “The materials used inside and out can withstand water,” said Harms. A day of power washing would take care of it all.