08/13/2026
We want to provide our community with an update regarding the new concession stand and ticket booth. While we acknowledge that the required building permit was not obtained prior to construction, the fair board was unaware of this issue at any point during the project and had relied on our professional project partners to handle the necessary plans, permits, and requirements.
We are happy to share that the setback concern initially raised by the city has now been resolved. After reviewing the correct zoning of the fairgrounds property, it was determined that there was no setback violation to begin with.
While we are disappointed we were unable to showcase this project during the fair, we have worked cooperatively with the city to address the remaining permitting issue, and the appropriate inspection is expected to be completed soon. At no point did the fair board knowingly disregard permitting requirements or public safety. We understand the questions and concerns this situation has created, and we felt it was important for our community to have the full context. We want to assure our community that this situation should not be interpreted as evidence of problems with the larger grandstand renovation, its financing, or the board’s stewardship of community funds. We encourage any fair patrons to attend our meetings at the Kossuth Ag & Motorsports Museum the 3rd Sunday of each month (excluding August, where we will meet the 23rd at 7pm).
We are proud of this historic project and incredibly grateful to the donors, businesses, and community partners who have made this possible. We want to thank the community for an incredible 2026 Kossuth County Fair! More fair fun to come!
