Goodland Community Plaza Project Moving Forward at Sherman County Fairgrounds

(Information from Interview on KLOE Good Neighbor Hour Interview): The Sherman County Fairgrounds are preparing for one of their biggest upgrades in decades: the creation of the Goodland Community Plaza, a permanent open-air facility designed to replace the large, labor-intensive tent that has hosted games, meals, and gatherings for years.

From Tent Troubles to a Lasting Solution

For decades, the “big tent” has been a centerpiece of the county fair. It provided shade, space for carnival games, and a gathering spot for community activities before, during, and after the fair. But it also came with constant headaches.

“The tent is great until the wind comes up,” explained Aaron Duell on the Good Neighbor Hour. “This year was pretty intense — part of it came down, we re-staked it several times, and it’s just become more work every year. We finally said, ‘It’s time for something permanent.’”

The solution is a 50 by 100-foot pre-engineered metal shelter with a covered roof and an all-concrete floor. Slightly larger than the tent it replaces, the plaza will be located in the same spot and designed to withstand Kansas weather while offering flexibility for a wide range of community events.

Local Partners and Seed Funding

The project gained momentum when Sherman County Farm Bureau stepped forward with a $50,000 pledge. “Our board unanimously supported it,” said Amy Sederstrom. “This is exactly the kind of agriculture-related, community-focused project we want to invest in.”

A grant request has been submitted to the Dane Hansen Foundation to match that donation, with additional applications filed to the Sherman County Community Foundation.

Square by Square: A Chance to Leave Your Mark

To raise the final funds, the committee has launched a Square-by-Square campaign. For $800, donors can purchase a stamped concrete square that will be permanently etched with their name. The goal is to sell 50 squares, raising $40,000 toward the estimated $140,000 project cost.

“It’s a great way to remember someone in your family or honor an organization,” Sederstrom said. “Even high school classes could go in together. These opportunities go fast in other counties, so we encourage people to get their square early.”

Built for the Future

Construction will be handled locally by Miller Construction, which has already provided bids and renderings. If funding falls into place, the project could be completed as soon as late fall.

The building has been designed with flexibility in mind. It will include footings that would allow for future enclosure if desired, electrical hookups, and even conduits for compressed air lines used by carnival games.

“The idea is to think ahead,” Duell said. “We want this to be useful for the next 100 years — just like the ag building was when it went up in 1926.”

A Legacy of Community Vision

The plaza is part of an ongoing effort to improve the fairgrounds every few years, building on a long legacy. From the historic ag building to more modern upgrades like new restrooms, each generation has left its mark.

As Bert Mosier, Sherman County Economic Development Director, noted, “The founders who built the ag building almost 100 years ago were visionaries. This project continues that spirit, ensuring our fairgrounds remain a safe, welcoming place for the community to gather.”

How to Get Involved

Community members can support the Goodland Community Plaza in several ways:

• Purchase a Square – $800 per stamped concrete square with your name etched permanently.

• Donate Directly – Contributions of any size will help bring the project to life.

• Spread the Word – Encourage neighbors, alumni groups, and organizations to get involved.

To reserve your square or learn more, contact:📞 Aaron Duell– 785-821-2120

With local support and a little vision, the Goodland Community Plaza will soon stand as a new landmark at the Sherman County Fairgrounds — a lasting space for fairs, festivals, reunions, and celebrations for generations to come.