Glasgow High School Junior Looks To Improve Fairgrounds Wash Bay

Michelle Bigelbach

The Courier

With the support of 4-H, AgWest Farm Credit and the assistance of peers and adults, Glasgow High School junior Addison Young is looking to put in a four-stall wash bay at the Valley County Fairgrounds for all fair goers and for use for those traveling through town. Young decided to improve this area of the Fairgrounds as part of her Teen Leadership Project for 4-H.

To help with this project, which has a goal of being completed before the start of Fair season, AgWest Farm Credit provided Young with a check in the amount of $2,500 as a result of the Rural Community grant program. The funds will be utilized to move forward with the project, specifically to assist with the costs associated with the concrete, drain system, railing, signs and a yard light.

"I am having a group of peers assist with the demolition and rebuilding of the wash bays. This will help us understand the importance of accuracy, the time and labor it takes to use concrete and install the drain systems," stated Young. The old concrete has been torn out and a new drain system, which is approximately 8 feet long and 8 feet deep, filledWwith crushed rock to help absorb the water from the drain, has already been completed. The next step is to frame and pour the concrete, which will have the four stalls with the safety walks. Young will also have yard light installed as well as railing for the stalls. "We will also put in a recognition fence for the sponsors of this project," explained Young.

Young is currently a Senior 4-H member and has been in the organization for nine years. She currently takes a pig project and two horse projects, so has seen the difficulties the current wash bays provided. "There were two stalls before and I would like to make four stalls to ensure a smooth and quicker experience," said Young. "I feel that this is very important to Valley County and anyone else who passes through Glasgow and uses the stalls or horse area, including the 4-H Horse Show Contestants. The wash bay will be open to anyone that uses the fairgrounds and needs to get water or wash an animal. The yard light will provide light during the night hours so the bays can be used 24 hours a day. There will also be gravel around the outer edges to ensure a safe entry to the bays and the railing and concrete will be strong enough for all animals to be safety tied."

The total project cost is expected to be $5,000, and Young has already received $500 from Northwestern Energy and is currently working with the Valley County Community Foundation for further funding.