Folks were screaming FIRE in Defiance Tuesday, but not in the way you might think.
The Defiance County Fair Foundation burned the mortgage for the grandstand on Tuesday. The mortgage, originally for up to $500,000, was taken out in September of 2010, but was proudly paid off early.
The foundation is a 501©3 organization, and has been working hard to complete the grandstand project for several years.
After a lot of hard work, the group gathered Tuesday to watch the mortgage for the first phase of the project — the construction of the grandstand — go up in flames.
The Crescent News reports that the construction of the grandstand itself was phase I of the foundation’s overall grandstand project. Phase II, for which funds are currently being raised, will build restroom facilities.
Fund raising is now underway to support phase II, which will call for about $250,000.
Anyone wishing to donate can call 419–658-2529 or mail their donation to Defiance County Fair Foundation, P.O. Box 4544, Sherwood 43556. Grain and/or commodity donations from farmers are also accepted.