By Sierra McGivney
The Warren County Board of Supervisors is looking for potential businesses or organizations interested in renting the Warrensburg fairgrounds for events or other uses.
The fairground is located on the Schroon River, around 2 miles off of exit 23 on I-87, just north of Lake George. The property includes a stage, three pavilions, restrooms, barns, parking and access to Schroon River. The site is 22 acres, with the fairgrounds taking up about 11 acres.
“Essentially what we’re trying to do here is request for proposals basically saying hey, here’s this asset we have. What do you think you can do with it,” said Don Lehman, the director of public affairs of Warren County.
Surrounding counties have bigger fairgrounds but that doesn’t stop the Warrensburg fairgrounds from hosting events like the annual motorcycle rally that has been going on for 20 years. Every summer, the county hosts a 4-H fair. Other creative past uses include “glamping,” with tent rentals provided by Adirondack Safari. All of these activities were canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, this past summer the fairgrounds were used for food distribution.
The property requires maintenance and more events could offset the cost of maintenance while also bringing business to community. Visitors would have to drive through the business district of Warrensburg in order to get to the fairgrounds. Lehman said it’s a win-win for taxpayers.
“It could be a good asset for everyone in that region,” said Lehman.
The board of supervisors is open to ideas for events or businesses to come in.
“We’re all willing to work with anyone with their ideas to kind of rejuvenate [the fairgrounds] and then turn it into kind of an asset for the region.” said Lehman.
Even though the pandemic is still affecting businesses and events, Lehman says whoever is renting the fairgrounds can adjust events to limit capacity and make it COVID-19 safe.
“We’re looking for a long term, kind of thing where we’d like to have a steady presence there, especially during the warmer months but if someone has an idea for winter use or something like that, we will listen to that as well.” said Lehman.
Lehman hopes the request for proposals will bring in another fair, food truck event or festivals for locals and tourists to enjoy.
“Those are the things that our residents, or visitors can enjoy and be a part of a great quality of life,” said Lehman.
Interested parties should respond to the RFP by February 25. In order to get events approved for the summer, the board needs to get proposals and ideas by late February or early March.
For more information, email Julie Butler, Warren County’s Purchasing Agent, at butlerj@warrencountyny.gov
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