Ribbon cutting marks naming of new show arena Ashton Event Center

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A ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the naming of the show arena at the county fairgrounds the Ashton Event Center prior to the May 17 ag society meeting. Participants include (front row, from left): Mary Piatt, ag society secretary; Lynden Ferguson and Jessica Ujcich, ag society members; Ray Rummell, former ag society member; and Elaine Painting, Ashton Preservation Association chief executive officer; Amy Rutledge and Bill Abrahims, Ashton board members. Second row: Curt Adams (holding ribbon); Ashton board member; Rich Popadak, Wayne Ferguson, Brent Baker, Sherman Oyer, Jim Long, Cheri Whipkey, Pete McIntire, Casey Allison and Bailey Griffeth, all representing the ag society.

Carroll County Ag Society (fair board) members celebrated the naming of the new show complex on the county fairgrounds during the May meeting.

The 70-by-140-feet complex was completed just in time for the 2021 county fair and was named the Ashton Event Center during the annual fair board meeting in November 2021.

May 17, members of the Ashton Preservation Association and fair board members gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony. Former fair board member Ray Rummell, who spearheaded construction of the facility, cut a ribbon signifying the new name.

The Ashton Preservation Center donated $100,000 toward the construction of the $.5 million facility and was recognized at the annual Ohio Fair Managers Association convention in January with a certificate as an “Outstanding Fair Supporter”.

The Ashton support includes the revolving event sign, grandstand grant, bleachers and security system, which, when added to the barn donation, totals approximately $200,000.

Fair Board President Jessica Ujcich expressed appreciation to the Ashton Preservation Association and the entire community.

“We greatly appreciate the support from the Ashton Preservation Association in making the barn become a reality,” she said. “We are also grateful to the community for the support we receive year round and all those who attend and support the annual gun bash as the proceeds the last couple years went into the barn fund.”

The event center features handicap accessible restrooms, a small office and utility room along with seating capacity for five sets of bleachers. It is equipped with a heating system.

The event center is now available for rent. For rental information, call Amy Rutledge at 330-627-2300 extension 208.