A project that was years in the making was officially opened Tuesday as leaders and citizens cut the ribbon at the Christian County Ag Expo Center.
The 45,000 square foot facility has been hosting events since the first of the year after 15 months of construction work was completed.
Brandon Garnett, regional vice-president of Farm Credit Mid-America, said the center has been years in the making.
click to download audioJudge-executive Steve Tribble said a constant stream of people related to the agriculture community has been in his office through the years asking for an ag expo center.
click to download audioChristian County Fiscal Court Magistrate Jerry Gilliam, who also serves on the extension district board of directors, commended the project managers who worked to make the building state of the art while not cutting corners.
click to download audioThe center will host events such as livestock shows, demonstrations, and events sponsored by the 4-H and FFA clubs.
Serious discussion of the project began five years ago with a public meeting and was spurred by $1 million in seed money through the Hopkinsville WINS project.
Mayor Wendell Lynch said the center will have a positive economic impact on the community.
click to download audioTaylor Hayes, who recently began work as president of the Hopkinsville-Christian County Chamber of Commerce, said the center was the perfect example of agriculture rolling up its sleeves and putting in the work to get the job done.
click to download audioThe facility, located behind the cooperative extension office on Pembroke Road, also has a 2,700-square-foot meeting room for private, commercial, or tourism-related activities that require a large indoor space.
The $1.85 million facility was funded with $250,000 from the Governor’s Office of Ag Policy, $100,000 from Farm Credit Mid-America, and $500,000 from the Christian County Ag Extension Foundation.
