On hand at last Monday’s Scott County Fair Association Rodeo Arena ribbon cutting were (left to right) David Brunner, Dill Whittymore, Robbie Combs, Jonathan Abbott, Jeremy Meadows, Karley Meadows cutting the ribbon, John McNeely, Aaron Lewis, 9th District Congresswoman Erin Houchins, Josh Boswell, Clint James.
In back mounted on horseback are Corey Barnett, Kate Barnett, Emma Barnett, Wyatt Wickey, and Bryson Lutz.
A brand new rodeo arena was dedicated on Monday, April 21, with a number of organizers and dignitaries on hand for the ribbon cutting.
According to Scott County Fair Board member David Brunner, the original arena was made of wood and was dilapidated and in unsafe condition.
Dill Whittymore of Indiana Steel and Tube in Brownstown was contracted to construct the metal panels. Fair Association volunteers provided the labor to install.
The arena was paid for from an $86,000 federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) fund. The Scott County Commissioners and Council gave their approvals to spend the Biden era funding at the fairgrounds.
Brunner said that the Scott County Redevelopment Commission has agreed to fund a covered grandstand for spectator seating.
Brunner said the fair association will not organize events at the new arena. Rather it will be rented to professional equine organizations to promote and orchestrate their events.
Two rodeos have already been scheduled. The inaugural rodeo will be July 5, Bunner said.