Boone County News Release
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Boone County Commission Administrative Coordinator
Phone: (573) 886-4312
Boone County Receives Boone Electric Community Trust Grant for Sapp Building Equestrian Arena
September 14, 2009
The Boone County Commission has received $3,219.94 from the Boone Electric Community Trust. The grant will be used for construction of the Sapp Building Equestrian Arena at the Boone County Fairgrounds.
"The Boone Electric Community Trust appreciates the opportunity to help with funding projects at the Boone County Fairgrounds," said Paula Boehm, Boone Electric Community Trust Board Chairperson. "Now, and in the future, we view the fairgrounds as an asset to Boone County."
"Boone Electric has long been a partner with the county at the Fairgrounds," said Northern Boone County Commissioner Skip Elkin. "This grant is very welcomed as it will help provide a much-needed facility to the Fairgrounds and provide both economic and educational opportunities for the county. The support of Boone Electric in this endeavor shows their commitment for giving back to the community."
In 2007, a consulting firm identified a covered equestrian arena as the number one way to attract more events to the Boone County Fairgrounds and keep it competitive with other facilities in the area. In 2008, Billy and Glenda Sapp donated a 22,000 square foot building to the county to be used for the arena. The building was moved from its original location at the Community at Old Hawthorne to the Fairgrounds March 2009. Construction of the arena will be completed in September 2009. The facility will be used as a covered warm-up arena for equestrian shows at the Fairgrounds and a resource for youth development organizations such as 4-H and FFA.
"We have already booked several new events at the Fairgrounds in anticipation of the arena," said Fairgrounds Manager George Harris. "It has been a long time coming to fill the need for this space. I expect to see improvement at the Fairgrounds as soon as the arena is completed."
About Boone Electric Community Trust
Boone Electric was founded with the intention of improving the quality of life of its members. That commitment was further enhanced through the creation of the Boone Electric Community Trust. More than $1.5 million has been given back to the community since the Trust was established in December 1997. The Trust is primarily funded through the Operation Round Up program and unclaimed capital credits.
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