Demolition work started last week at the Eddy County Fairgrounds in Artesia for a new livestock barn and multi-use building, fair officials said.A long-standing cattle barn with wash basins and restrooms were in the process of being torn down making way for a new indoor multi-use facility with an estimated cost of $25 million presented earlier this year to the Eddy County Board of County Commissioners.The Eddy County Fair Board estimated work on the new facility would start in September and should be complete by 2026.Eddy County 4-H Extension Agent Wayne Shockey said the new building would be a benefit for animals, parents, youths and others invested in the livestock shows.During this year’s Eddy County Fair which ran July 23 through July 27 sweltering temperatures greeted participants as preparations took place in open air livestock pens and portable air conditioners tried to keep animals and people comfortable.Shockey said the new facility would have indoor air conditioning.“I’m excited to see that coming,” he said.Shockey said enrollment in Eddy County’s 4-H programs was “pretty steady” during this years fair.
