Franklin County has completed a new Event Center at the fairgrounds that will host sports practices, private gatherings and the annual county fair.
County Commissioner Zach Stewart said the center, located at 251 N. 250 W. in Preston, took just under a year to build. The county broke ground on the project in early 2025 and finished construction before the end of the year.
The Franklin County Event Center replaced three aging buildings previously used for the fair.
"Rather than replace three smaller buildings, the commissioners decided now is the time to come up with the new Event Center to not only serve the fair but also to be something the community could use for different activities and events," Stewart said.
The facility features two basketball courts, four volleyball courts and four pickleball courts — amenities community members requested most.
"It has space to be rented out for business dinners or parties," Stewart said. "I think it's going to be a real asset to the community to be able to use it not only for the fair but year-round."
Stewart said the year-round availability distinguishes the new center from the three older buildings, which only served the fair.
"I look forward to having a facility where the community can come together and build bonds and share a good time," Stewart said.
Preston's basketball program will use the center for practices, Stewart said.
"It's always a struggle for them to find a place to practice," Stewart said. "Most Saturdays in January and February we'll have youth basketball."
The community has shown strong interest in the center. About 200 people attended an open house in December when the facility opened.
"Since it's been open, we've had people there mostly to try out the sports courts," Stewart said. "We've had three events. There was a family New Year's Eve party and a couple of business dinners."
Stewart encouraged residents and visitors to explore the new facility.
"We'd love for folks from other communities to come look at it and enjoy it as well," Stewart said.