GWINN–A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Wednesday evening at the Marquette County Fairgrounds as a new pavilion was introduced.

The $30,000 project took three weeks to complete, and will serve the fair as an equestrian show arena for speed and draft events. The fair has always had an area for horse shows, but this new pavilion is built on higher ground, so as to avoid wet dirt during the rainy seasons. The county fairground board has been saving up over the last year so they could afford this new addition.

“We’re hoping that by having the new arena up higher, right here on the flat ground, it will be easier to access for both the riders and for the people who come to the fair,” said Walt Maki, President of the Marquette County Fairgrounds.

The fairgrounds have been staying busy this summer. On Saturday, lawnmower races will be taking place for the first time ever, and on Thursday, an antique car show will be going on.

Of course, Maki says his favorite is always the fair food.