ROME TOWNSHIP — The new barn planned at the Lawrence County Fairgrounds is getting a step closer to reality.

On Thursday at 1:30 p.m. the fair board will have a groundbreaking ceremony and all those who have made pledges are invited to attend.

“The groundbreaking will get it started finally,” Commissioner Freddie Hayes said. “The materials will be in on the 13th and this will be good for the 4-H kids and their animals and is something Lawrence County has needed for years.”

During last summer’s fair the fair board began taking pledges to cover the cost of the $400,000 livestock barn and arena where all animal judging will take place. The 280 foot by 80 foot barn will be built by Structural Steel from Canton and be located near the grandstand and the parking lot by the second fairgrounds gate.

“The old barn was in really bad shape and it is time for the kids to get a new barn,” fair board president Jim Gore said.

In September the Lawrence County Commissioners agreed to issue a 10-year bond for $400,000, acting as the fiscal agent for the fair board.

A representative from Structural Steel, project contractor, is expected to speak at the ceremony.

Before his appointment as commissioner Hayes served as a president and treasurer of the fair board and was one of those spearheading the barn project.

“It makes me feel great,” Hayes said. “It is something I wanted to get accomplished and seen done.”