The Friends of the Goodhue County Fair organization launched a fundraising effort in 2017 and officially became a non-profit in 2018. Their mission is to improve livestock exhibition and housing facilities at the Goodhue County Fair. Working separately but in cooperation with the fair board, they are focused on providing a better experience for youth and adults during the fair.
Their main efforts have been focused on animal housing and exhibition areas. Existing buildings were in poor condition and no longer large enough as Goodhue County boasts some of the largest livestock participation numbers in the state. The goal has been to expand space, create better viewing areas for spectators and improve safety for them, the animals and exhibitors.
As fundraising got underway, the money was pooled and the Goodhue County Community Goat Barn was erected in 2023. Once the Friends of the Fair proved that the community supported their plans, fundraising became easier and they found individuals and businesses that were ready and willing to fund much of the needed work. When the 2024 fair was over, plans moved forward to remove the remaining old barns on the North edge of the grounds and build new structures. Crews worked right up to the dedication day, July 24, 2025.
Fairboard president, Bob Gonsior addressed the large crowd that showed up to witness the dedication. “These buildings are places where families will gather, kids will proudly show their 4-H animals and memories will be made that will last a lifetime. This project would not have been possible without the incredible generosity and forward thinking visions of our three major donors.”
Sherri Betcher, president of Friends of the Goodhue County Fair organization called representatives of the poultry building sponsor, Goodhue Lion’s Club; swine barn sponsor, The Red Wing Shoe Company Foundation; and cattle barn sponsor, the Lowell Broin family to the front for recognition. Each group received a photo of the new building they sponsored in a frame made of wood from the old building it replaced. Sherri also recognized current 4-H members on hand to help the local dairy princesses serve ice cream donated by Nate and Mindy Arendt.
Before the actual ribbon cutting, Gonsior invited everyone to attend the upcoming fair saying, “As we cut these ribbons, may we stand as a symbol of growth, of pride in who we are, and the bright future of Agriculture and the future of the Goodhue County Fair.”
.
“This project is a shining example of what we can achieve when we come together for a shared purpose.”
