Oliver (right) receives a hug from Merilee Young during the dedication ceremony.

JOHN DAY -The Aug. 6-11 fair featured improved facilities, thanks to the Grant County Family Heritage Foundation, which gathered money, all but $100,000 of it private funds, for construction of a new Heritage Building.

The 4-H and FFA programs and other participants in the fair enjoyed the Heritage Building. A line of FFA and 4-H youth christened its use at an Aug. 8 ceremony, which included a presentation of colors, recitation of the 4-H Pledge and FFA Creed and recitation of fair history by rancher Jack Southworth.

Arlene Oliver, president of the foundation, passed a symbolic pitchfork to Grant County Fair Board Chairman Sharon Livingston, marking the transfer of the building from the foundation to the fair board. The pitchfork, a symbol of agriculture, also was a light-hearted representation of the prodding that was required to see the building completed.Livingston wrote in her introduction to the ceremony program: “The generosity of people from all over has contributed to what we have here today, and we commend each and every one for their part in this success. We sincerely hope you enjoy sharing with us and the youth involved in agriculture our good fortune in being able today to recognize a major step towards the fulfillment of our dream.”

More than 200 sponsors of the Heritage Building are listed on the ceremony program.