Volunteers team to restore pavilion at fairgrounds

Provided photos – Warren Kruger (operating backhoe) works with Jim Blackburn (left) and Jim’s father Gary Blackburn in upgrading the pavilion at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Press Release, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension

KNOWLESVILLE – For many, the Curtis Pavilion along the creek at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds includes memories of friends, family, and smells of chicken dinners cooked over an open flame during the annual county fair.

The Thursday evening fair tradition is a homecoming event for many, and fairgrounds Property Committee members, Gary Blackburn and Vince Flow III and the father-son team of Warren and Stephen Kruger, have worked throughout the year to preserve the pavilion that was built in 1973 for future generations.

They received support from Oak Orchard Concrete of Medina, which donated the concrete to stabilize the poles. The Town of Kendall also provided use of a backhoe to the fairgrounds for excavating the soil surrounding the poles.

The team coordinated their schedule to ensure they did not interrupt events at the fairgrounds and would meet in the late afternoon and work through the evening hours.

Work on the main structure is nearing completion and there are plans to continue with stage improvements next year. Warren, Stephen, and Oak Orchard Concrete will be presented with the Friend of Extension award at Extension’s annual meeting on Dec. 1 in recognition of their efforts.