Bill Carrigg, Joe Lawerence, and Tom Kelly take a moment on a cold November day to stand in front of the cattle barn restoration project being completed at Marvin Park, the location to the Tioga County Fairgrounds in Owego, N.Y. (Photo by Kathy Nichols)
Summer fairs with all the planning, carnival rides, kids, animals and demolition derby competitions have come and gone for 2014.
The run, rush and hurry for organizers has been replaced by board members of the Tioga County Agricultural Society diligently supervising projects being completed this winter to meet their improvement goals for the Tioga County Fair, already planned for July 7-11, 2015 at Marvin Park in Owego, N.Y.
The floods of 2006 and 2011 were not kind to the low-lying fairgrounds at Marvin Park. Near the back of the park, by the exit road to Elm Street, stand the barns – the horse barn, the cattle barn, the 4H barn and the sheep barn. Over the years, floodwaters, weather, vandalism and normal wear and tear have left these structures looking worn out and in need of significant repair.
November saw the completion of sill work done on the cattle barn with a generous grant from the Mildred Truman Faulkner Foundation grant. J&L completed work on the sills of the cattle barn. Floods and age were factors in the rotting and crumbling foundation of the Quonset hut style barn. The barn is approximately 400-feet long with an impressive silver metal roof. As the round roof curves down to the ground, there is a 6-foot section of slatted boards and wire to provide natural lighting and air to flow into the building. The inside view reveals an open airy space with a lot of room for cattle, pigs, a show ring, bleachers restrooms, shower and a grand 30-feet or more of head room.
Work on the sills of the cattle barn at Marvin Park in Owego, N.Y. is almost complete. (Photo by Kathy Nichols)
The fair board, being very concerned about making long-term improvements rather than just patching, researched and began planning to have the lower edge of the barn repaired before more desperate measures would be needed. With rotting and missing boards to deal with, J&L replaced the sill and were even able to reposition the barn properly on the foundation.
According to local contractor Bill Carrigg, “This barn is going to stand here firmly for years to come.”
The horse barn project was completed this past summer in time to accommodate New York Sire Stakes harness racing horses during fair week. On a regular basis, horses are boarded on weekends for events sponsored by local Skyline Corral.
The barn was designed and constructed by a local contractor, J&L Construction. Future work will add six more stalls and two wash bays. The fair society will use funds generated by stall rentals to make further improvements needed at the fairgrounds, including needed work to the corral grounds.
Future plans include assisting with improvements needed to the 4H barn and show areas to improve the experience for 4H participants during fair time next summer.
Bill Carrigg shows rotten boards that were replaced during the restoration of the cattle barn at Marvin Park in Owego, N.Y. (Photo by Kathy Nichols)
The cattle enjoyed a new outside watering area this past summer, and it will be the pigs turn next. When an animal is being judged during fair week, it is very common for the animal and owner to be on grounds for the entire week of the fair. Families sleep over, campout, and take in the whole fair week from their vantage point, the agricultural barn area. New cages will be built to pen birds and rabbits. Walks and roadways will be more clearly defined to provide safety for all participants, animals and fair attendees.
According to John Schumacher, president of the Tioga County Agricultural Society, elected at the annual meeting this past October, when the fair opens up next July he hopes to have had the time and the funds to complete improvements to the sheep barn. This barn would benefit from board and batten residing. Not only will this improve the overall appearance, the repair will more importantly provide structural security to the building, animals and participants.
There are always day-to-day maintenance issues in keeping the fairgrounds open and pleasant for year-round use. Painting, mowing, weeding, and garbage control are just some of the areas of concern that regularly need attention.
Local farmer Charlie Truman, vice-president of fair board, also one of several grounds and maintenance committee members, visits the grounds on a regular basis making notes of clean-ups and repairs needed.
Cattle barn at Marvin Park in Owego, N.Y. gets a sill lift! (Photo provided by Bill Garrigg)
He feels that the fair board couldn’t manage the upkeep of Marvin Park without constant attention and support from the Village of Owego. The Village has always done their fair share and more in keeping this park neat and clean.
For dog-walkers, skate-boarders, bicyclists and walkers, this park is a perfect destination for anyone wanting a bit of elbow room and peace and quiet. Summertime may offer better weather to enjoy the pool, playground and tennis courts, but the fair board hopes to make Marvin Park a year-round safe place for everyone.
Cattle barn sills at Marvin Park in Owego, N.Y. are being repaired. (Photo provided by Bill Carrigg)
Please take some time to visit the fairgrounds offseason. Park the car and enjoy the fitness trail. Walk around the barn area and imagine next summer with the sights and sounds of kids and animals. The fair will be here before we know it.
If you missed the fair last summer, you missed a successful rebirth. Come this summer and experience a family oriented fair, and don’t forget to check out the barns. They are a significant part of history here in Owego.
