NNYCF: $25,000 grant will help restoration process for historic Lewis County Fairgrounds Grandstand

LOWVILLE- A $25,000 grant from the Northern New York Community Foundation will assist with the ongoing effort to restore the historic grandstand at the Lewis County Fairgrounds.

“This was a good opportunity to build upon something we’ve previously invested in and also help ensure this community asset continues to fully serve the citizens of Lewis County,” said Rande Richardson, Community Foundation executive director.

“We know this is a facility that is not only used during the fair, but throughout the year.”

A successful 202nd Lewis County Fair closed on July 22 and grandstand began this month, Lewis County Agricultural Society Board President Matthew O’Connor said.

Emergency maintenance was done last summer to keep the grandstand operational through this year’s fair. Work was completed to stabilize the structure and ensure the future integrity of the building while repairing damage caused by powder post beetles.

First built in the 1860s, the roughly 160-year-old site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Deteriorating grandstand infrastructure and new drainage system are two priorities facing upgrades to keep this well-used community asset viable.

The Community Foundation previously provided a major grant in 2006 for renovations performed at that time.

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