Fairgrounds' plumbing gets upgraded
By SHANNON CRABTREE scrabtree@leader-news.com

L-N Photo by Shannon Crabtree Diggin' It Nichols Septic Systems was busy recently working on a new sewer system at the Wharton County Youth Fairgrounds in Crescent. The work comes amid demolition of some older buildings at the site.

The Wharton County Youth Fair's new sewer system may not be glamorous, but it should benefit virtually every visitor to the upcoming event.

It's just one of several changes - some obvious, others obscure - that will be up and operating by the time the gates open for the first day of the 2008 run May 4.

The renovation of the old Crescent school gym and the demolition of the area used as the fair's beer garden for more than a decade may be the most noticeable changes.

"We're going to tear down that portion of the (old school building)," WCYF Coordinator Cindy Blaha said. "We will clear the slab and for now it will be an open area. Later, we plan to have an open pavilion there."

With the renovation of the old gym, the fair will relocate the beer garden to a portion of that area where the polka music show is typically held.

The building is being set up so the space can be rented throughout the year, Blaha said.

Nichols Septic Systems of El Campo was scheduled to complete work on the new aerobic sewer system this week.

"It's replacing the old system," Derrick Nichols said. "It was outdated."

The system will service all fair grounds restrooms as well as waste water from kitchens - up to 4,500 gallons per day - a number derived by estimated water usage during fair days.

"For the opportunity to work for the fair, I cut the price significantly," Nichols said.

The work will improve restrooms, Blaha said, adding parking lot improvements are also anticipated.

The 2008 WCYF will run May 4 to 10.

Fair Attractions

In addition to Midway standards like El Campo's Rainbow the Clown, Marsha's Petting Zoo and The Learning Center, new acts will include a chainsaw sculpture and a new hypnotist.