(Cell Phone Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
SALEM LAKES, Wis. – A crowd of more than 100 people gathered Thursday evening to celebrate the first official event inside the Kenosha County Fairgrounds’ newest attraction — a massive, permanent structure affectionately being called the “Big Beautiful Building.”
(Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
The building — which will serve as a multi-use hub for the fair and year-round events — is finally complete after a long planning process, construction push, and some political friction earlier this year. Fair Board Member Chris Klemko, who oversaw the construction, and Fair Director Jenny Hesse, welcomed guests as they enjoyed a perch fish fry, cold drinks, and a bags tournament beneath the bright LED lights and towering steel ceiling.
“This has been a phenomenal addition,” said Hesse. “The vibes in here — it has totally changed everything by having a building to host it in.”
Among those in attendance Thursday were State Rep. Amanda Nedweski, District Attorney Xavier Solis, Salem Lakes Trustee Ron Gandt, and dozens of residents who got a first glimpse of the new building’s expansive interior, stage setup, and beer-serving area.
“This building allows us to do rentals, banquets, weddings,” said Klemko. “If there’s a race going on and a rainstorm pops up, people can come right to this building, let the rain pass, and get right back to it.”
(Cell Phone Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
The structure, which has an estimated capacity of around 3,000 people depending on setup, was completed in just over six weeks. The final occupancy permit was granted Wednesday — less than 24 hours before the inaugural event. Massive ceiling fans, insulated steel walls, a metal roof with three-foot overhangs, and underground drainage tie-ins make the space both functional and energy-efficient.
Two enormous ceiling fans — literally branded as “Big Ass Fans” — hang from the ceiling, circulating air throughout the wide-open space. Garage doors will be installed next week, and Wi-Fi is being turned on Tuesday. “It’ll be fully enclosed,” Hesse confirmed. “And in the winter, we’re already looking at partnerships for boat storage with Munson Marine and Fox Lake Harbor.”
(Cell Phone Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
The building will serve a dual purpose during this year’s Kenosha County Fair. It will replace the old beer tent and Creekside stage area, combining both into one large, all-weather venue with live music and on-site beer service. A tall stage is set up on one end, and beer sales will run out of a large cooler on the opposite side.
Although neither Klemko nor Hesse addressed it publicly Thursday, the building’s construction was not without resistance. Earlier this year, Village Administrator Cassandra Hiller denied the fair’s request for a building permit. The Fair, represented by attorney Michael McTernan, appealed the decision to the Village Board of Review, which also denied the request. McTernan then threatened legal action. Soon after, the board reversed course, granted the permit, but required the building’s placement to be adjusted.
On Thursday, those tensions were set aside as fair staff, guests, and community leaders raised glasses to a long-anticipated success. “I honestly don’t have words,” said Hesse. “It just makes my heart really happy.”
Next Friday, the building will host DAS Fest, a large-scale German cultural event featuring music, food, and family-friendly entertainment. The fairground’s newest venue is expected to play a major role in the event’s success and help expand the fairgrounds’ capabilities for years to come.
“This is just the beginning,” Klemko said, beaming.
(Photo by Xavier Solis, Kenosha County District Attorney)
17 Responses
What was Hillers reasoning for the denial?
For reasons that can’t be comprehended, let’s say it’s water under the ditch now. Time to move on, building is done. Enjoy!!!
Looking closely at the pictures, the BBB appears to have insulation on the walls and roof. Did anyone say if they are heating it in the colder months? And, if they are storing boats in it over the winter, who is covering the extra insurance needed to store them? I ask this only out of concern after one of the buildings burned down at the Racine Co. Fairgrounds a few years ago.
Looks like Anti Condensate insulation, not for heating. Insulation typically done for the sweating metal buildings do and the thermal heat exchange of heat during summer months, especially with the roof. Without insulation the building would be hot during the summer months. Plus anti condensation insulation will help with the echo from music and people talking, very smart on their part to add that feature.
Looks like a nice addition to the fair grounds. They should consider doing community events there during the Summer. Maybe live music, food and drinks, Salem needs something like that.
And with the creek right there we can make our own mini water park !
Is there a reason you’re concerned about the insurance costs? That’s an issue for the fair association, not the village. Tax dollars aren’t paying for it. There are many business-savvy people involved with the fair association and they obviously have access to legal counsel. If they’re going to enter into an agreement with other businesses regarding boat storage, it’s not just going to be a handshake deal. Furthermore, boat owners should still insure their boats when they’re in storage so they have coverage in the event of damage or loss.
Should be an excellent addition to the fairgrounds, if certain people can look towards the greater good instead of personal bickering. Who did the fish fry? Did one of the organizations with a permanent fairgrounds building (and kitchen) work something out for the food?
Typical Kenosha You need to go look at other county fairs. The top rated county fairs.The kind of buildings they built. Not a tin pole barn.
Tin pole barn? Even been to a farm?
Hiller struck again yet was denied but not without taxpayers footing the legal fees. That democrat is a disaster. Resign!
Is it going to make the Kenosha County fair better?
It’s the 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻 fair in the area.
Why do you think it’s not a good fair?
There is significantly less to do and see compared to Racine, Walworth, and Waukesha fairs. Everything seems dumpy and run down (I’m sure this new building will stand out). The animal barns are empty compared to Racine & Walworth. The Youth Exhibitors seem to engage more in Racine & Walworth- at Kenosha, it’s always been “parties” in the areas between the barns, and anyone walking through is interrupting them. Same in the cocktail area- if you’re not part of “the club,” GET OUT.
Billingsley winning fair queen showed that the fairest competition is still a good ol’ boys (girls!) club, as opposed to Racine and Walworth where the fair queens parent isn’t on the fair board. And no- I don’t have a horse in that race, I was Fairest in Racine many, many years ago & now have all boys.
Kenosha also seems more politicized than Racine or Walworth, but the Kenosha parties tend to ruin all the festivals in Kenosha, because what’s a Kenosha festival unless the politicians are making it all about themselves.
You do know that a Walworth county fair board members son was fair queen one time right? Doesn’t matter what fair you go to there is always a politicking 😂
I don’t really care about which fair is better but I will agree that Kenosha seems to be the worst wit the politicians and parties involved in everything. I’m a lifelong conservative, but even I have to admit that the RPKC and Kenosha Republicans tend to take over area festivals like a narcissistic girl at an overdone sweet 16 party.
I wonder how many cod fillets Bob Wirch is going to pound down in this thing. #Freefishfry
I’m sure words will be chewing on a codpiece before his car has even been towed from the handicap parking spot at the fair.