$300,000 goal reached for barn upgrades
By Donnie A. Lucas
The fundraising goal for improvements at the Shackelford County Show Barn has basically been met and work is underway at the facility.
The Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association announced in early May a fundraising effort to raise $200,000 or more to make overdue updates to the 50-year-old structure, but the goal was raised to $300,000 due to the scope of work.
Mike Parsons, who is heading up the fundraising drive, said this week that collections totaled $277,000, with the remainder pledged but not received.
“We have basically met our goal,” Parsons said. “We have gotten 90 percent of the funding, with a couple pledges expected in the next few days. We are very pleased with the generosity of individuals, businesses, and some foundation monies we received.”
Parsons also thanked the volunteers and businesses who have worked on various projects.
“We have had some tremendous help from community members and companies who helped us out with their prices too.”
Currently, the concrete slab has been poured, and the south side of the facility has been closed in with three large roll-up doors. Repairs to the roof, which are being funded by the county, and spray form insulation were being completed this week.
The Shackelford County Commissioners Court approved a $15,000 request in May to replace all the screws in the roof and cover over skylights at the show barn to prevent leaking.
New metal siding is being installed on most of the exterior, and an extension of the steer barn has begun.
New pens are ready to install when the interior work is complete, which includes expanding the concession stand and painting the bleachers, show ring, and doors.
Other major items include replacing all of the lighting with LED fixtures.
“The community has been very generous to help bring this facility up to date,” Parsons said.
Parsons said the goal is to have all projects completed in time for the annual pig show and sale held at the county barn each September, which attracts breeders from across Texas and the mid-West and benefits the local association.
Parsons, who has been on the board for over 40 years, said that the show barn was first built in 1972, housing 30 or so projects. That number has grown to over 150 projects each year.
“We are bursting at the seams, and there are improvements that are needed for safety reasons,” Parsons said. “We are careful to spend all donations wisely.”
Association president Bronco Askew said that pouring the concrete floor will help solve the major dust problems encountered when a show or event is held at the facility.
“The dust has been a major problem, along with the leaks in the metal roof,” he said. “It was time to address the problems and get the place up to snuff. This will help everyone out there – the kids, the visitors, and the animals – and make it much safer.”
Improvements also include a new photo and publicity area, as well as better handicapped access and parking.
“This is an investment in our future, and we appreciate the help in getting this done,” Parsons said.
Donations can be sent to the Shackelford County Youth and Livestock Association at PO Box 2439, Albany, TX 76430. Mark the gift as “show barn funds” on the memo line.
