The Gasconade County Fair Foundation unveiled plans on Sunday at White Mule Winery for the new Gasconade County Fair Youth and Ag Educational Center.

The 80 foot by 150 foot structure, 12,000 square feet, will replace the former youth building in Owensville’s Memorial Park, site of the Gasconade County Fair grounds, that was demolished in 2017 due to safety concerns. The main use of the building will be for youth groups from the county including 4-H clubs, FFA, boy scouts, girls scouts and various agriculture organizations.

With a desired completion target by the end of 2024 the foundation has set an initial fundraising goal of $625,000, the estimated project cost.

Fair board member Chris Meyer made the first donation for the project in his father’s name, Doug, long time board member, who died in November. Meyer quoted his father as saying, “you have to make things better for the next generation.”

It was also announced at the presentation that the Gasconade County Farm Bureau and Gasconade County Farm Bureau Service, Co., donated $100,000 for the building. The Fair Foundation has also received $75,000 from the 2023 Agricultural Education/Experience Grant for Capital Improvements from the Missouri Agricultural Foundation. Other donations, including $62,500 by The Gasconade County Fair Association, brings the total amount currently raised to $256,500.

The Gasconade County Fair Foundation is a 501C3 corporation making all donations for the new youth building tax deductible. Pledge forms can be requested by sending an email to gascofairfoundation@gmail.com or calling Robert (Chuck) Idel at 573-694-0919 or Jared Niederer at 573-694-0746.  Donations can be mailed to Gasconade County Fair Foundation, P.O. Box 199, Owensville, Mo. 65066.

The intended use of the building will be year round with the primary focus on youth and ag groups and educational purposes.