Yuma County Fairgrounds relocation talks continue
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Relocation talks continue for the Yuma County Fairgrounds but as a temporary solution changes are happening within the grounds.
There are more than 200 events that happen here at the fairgrounds and they recently found a temporary solution in order to keep everyone safe as the grounds are in the direct flight path of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma and the airport.
"We support the military and we support the mission," stated Jonathan Lines, Yuma County Board of Supervisors District 2.
The Yuma County Fairgrounds has been neighbors with the airport and MCAS Yuma for about 70 years and for just as long, one issue has been how close aircraft fly.
The Yuma County Fair also happens right around the same time as the Marine Corps weapons and tactics instructor court which increases aircraft activity.
In 2022, the state allocated $5 million to move a couple of buildings to what MCAS Yuma considers a "safe zone."
The Fairground's General Manager explains the need for the change.
"The base their operations have grown over the years. So have ours, so this allows for us to have a little bit more growth. Hopefully, until we find a permanent solution to relocating the Fairgrounds," explained Eric Wofford, Yuma County Fairgrounds General Manager.
Although the shift of the carnival’s location is temporary, Yuma County Supervisor Jonathan Lines said he's pushing to find a more permanent solution.
"The estimate you know was a couple hundred million to completely rewire the infrastructure somewhere else. We anticipate that in the future that discussion will happen again," expressed Lines.
Wofford shared why the Fairgrounds hold a special place in his heart.
"Oh, my gosh! The fair to me means a lot for different reasons. Personally, I grew up at fairgrounds. I showed animals," said Wofford.
He also tries to spread the joy.
“We try to create all that stuff then, and just have a fun place for families to come and just not have to worry about anything else but having fun," stated Wofford.
This year’s fair runs from Friday, April 2 through Sunday, April 7.
But until then, there are still a handful of events you can attend like next month’s Yuma Silver Spur Rodeo.
