Civic Center will be venue for shows, meetings, private events community gatherings

The Ashland County Agricultural Society unveiled plans to construct a Civic Center on the fairgrounds.

The 35,000-square-foot facility is designed to become a venue for shows, business meetings and private events such as weddings and birthday parties, as well as polling and emergency services for Ashland County.

A Civic Center campaign steering committee, made up of county residents and several Ashland County Fair Board directors, is driving the effort. Architectural plans are for a building that will include a 19,340-square-foot exhibit room, with the ability to split into two 9,670-square-foot spaces, each able to accommodate 400 people. In addition, the venue will have multi-purpose rooms, including a meeting room, lobby with fireplace, entrance with covered drive-through canopy, patio and commercial kitchen.

“The new Civic Center will offer updated and modern exhibition areas, meeting spaces and other amenities for services and events,” said Natalie Wesner-Goschinski, Civic Center campaign chair.

Mozelle Hall, Hobby Building, a restroom will be razed

The Civic Center will be built on the footprint of current, outdated buildings that will be razed for the project, including Mozelle Hall, the Hobby Building and a restroom.

The Ashland County commissioners, who own the fairgrounds property and lease it to the Agricultural Society, have voiced support for the Civic Center.

“The commissioners enthusiastically support the construction of a new event center at the fairgrounds,” Commissioner Denny Bittle said. “We are excited to see this project move forward to create a positive and lasting impact on the quality of our community.”

Mayor of Ashland Matt Miller echoed support.

“As our city and county continue to grow, and we attract more businesses and visitors to our area, it is critical that we have a central gathering place where we can accommodate larger crowds in a professional and comfortable setting anytime throughout the year,” Miller said. “This new Civic Center will allow our community to host exciting and meaningful events that in the past we have never been able to consider.”

Fundraising efforts for $6M project

Fundraising efforts for the Civic Center are underway by the planning committee, with the goal of $6 million. They are seeking contributions that will provide commemorative naming rights for the Civic Center, as well as specific areas of the building.

Groundbreaking for the center is anticipated for next year.

Anyone interested in supporting the Civic Center should contact Cathy Rice, secretary, Ashland County Agricultural Society, 419-289-0466, or Goshinski at 567-203-2080.

Tracy Holland handles Civic Center Committee public relations.