$38M at Ohio state fairgrounds keeps horse event
4/19/2014COLUMBUS — Organizers of the All American Quarter Horse Congress have decided to stay in Ohio after the state committed $38 million for upgrades at the state fairgrounds.
The Columbus Dispatch reports Ohio risked losing its contract with the event because the congress had outgrown space available at the Ohio Expo Center. The event has been held in Ohio since 1967.
Virgil Strickler, the center’s general manager, said state money will fund construction of a 1,000-stall barnlike structure that will nearly double available stall space, and a 100,000-square-foot multipurpose building.
The fairgrounds’ 10-year contract with the congress was set to expire next year. Strickler said a new agreement will be struck before construction begins.
Congress executive director Scott Myers said improvements will nearly eliminate the need to house horses in tent-stalls.
Information from: The Columbus Dispatch, http://www.dispatch.com