Listen to Full Interview About Building with Kristi Chessmore
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The Lincoln County Agricultural Society is renewing its call for community support as it continues efforts to fund and build a long-discussed multi-purpose facility at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds in North Platte.
Kristi Chessmore, a member of the Lincoln County Ag Society Board, said in a recent interview with The North Platte Post that despite rumors to the contrary, the board is committed to seeing the project through.
“Yes, absolutely,” Chessmore said when asked if the project was still active. “We are very dedicated to building a facility where year-round activities can happen—something North Platte doesn’t currently have.”
The proposed facility would include a large indoor arena, flexible classroom and meeting spaces, and banquet seating for up to 500 people. It would be located at the northwest corner of the fairgrounds and would not impact the existing racetrack, a concern that had circulated online. Plans show the pits may be relocated, but the track itself would remain intact.
The estimated cost of the project is around $12 million, and while the fair board has already secured some pledged donations, they are still searching for a major benefactor to help move the project forward.
“We had a $500,000 grant from the Lincoln County Visitors Bureau a few years ago,” Chessmore said. “But we had to turn it back because we didn’t break ground in time. We’re not giving up—but we need more in place before we can reapply.”
Several businesses have already stepped up with pledges, including Farm Credit Services and DaySpring Bank, which have committed $50,000 and $100,000, respectively. All donations are being kept in a separate account, Chessmore emphasized, to address concerns about past fundraising efforts.
“None of that money is mixed with our general fund,” she said. “Every dollar donated specifically for the building is accounted for and protected.”
Still, misconceptions linger. Chessmore noted public confusion around how past donations were used, as well as a general misunderstanding of the fair board's tax funding.
“We are the last line item on your tax statement,” she said. “We get about 0.0067%—we are the lowest-funded entity in the county.”
A new building committee has recently formed and plans to distribute survey table tents across the county in the coming weeks, seeking updated public input and gauging interest.
The need for such a facility, Chessmore argued, is clear. The fairgrounds receive frequent inquiries from groups looking to host large indoor events, especially in winter, but there is currently no suitable venue in North Platte.
“We’re missing out on a lot of income that could be coming into this community year-round,” she said. “We know this would benefit not just the ag community, but local hotels, restaurants, and retail, too.”
The board meets publicly on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds. Chessmore invited anyone with questions or interest in supporting the project to reach out directly by phone at 308-520-5420 or by email at [email protected].
In the meantime, preparations are underway for the 2025 Lincoln County Fair, set for July 23–27, with pre-fair events like the horse show beginning July 19. This year’s highlights include a Gary Allan concert, a new ranch rodeo, and live-streamed livestock shows.
While Chessmore acknowledged the disappointment from some over the absence of a carnival this year, she said the fair continues to prioritize youth and 4-H programming, emphasizing its role as a community tradition and agricultural showcase.
“Fair is about the kids,” she said. “And our local youth are some of the most competitive in the state. They work hard—and they deserve a facility that reflects that.”
Those wanting more information on the building project can click here for additional information.