This report is meant to be an idea piece. It is designed to help visualize and define some of the participants’ ideas, and to focus and facilitate on-going discussions for the future of the Elkhart County 4-H Fair and Fairgrounds. The ideas presented here are just that – ideas. The concepts, design and programmatic options presented are intended to serve as a stimulus for discussion and involvement. It is intended that this document be used as a vision statement, providing guidance, inspiration, and challenge for the future direction of the fair and fairgrounds as an important part of the quality of life of Elkhart County by displaying images of what might be, as well as some ideas on how to achieve them. Before any of these visions become reality, they must be examined in greater depth and evaluated as part of the overall strategic plan for the fair and fairgrounds.

This project, while attempting to address the Fair as part of the entire community, focused on several areas of perceived need. The ideas presented here address location, circulation, image and character, activities, year-round usage and other enhancement projects. Some of the ideas and recommendations outline steps appropriate for continuing community-based planning and design, others offer some specific policies, programs and projects that can be implemented directly. Treat this document as a cookbook of ideas.