As a part of the continued series reviewing the Rush County Community Foundation’s “designated endowment” funds, we’ll be taking a weekly look at the Rush County nonprofit organizations that have funds that support their mission and work held at RCCF.  This week’s installment focuses on the Rush County Agricultural Association.

June has officially arrived, which for many local families, signals that school is out and 4-H crunch time is in.  Fair week is rapidly approaching, a favorite time of the year for many Rush County residents.

Rush County has exceptional fairgrounds and amenities because of the work and dedication of the Rush County Agricultural Association.  The Rush County Agricultural Association is a not for profit organization comprised of volunteers who are committed to delivering a superior fair experience with top-notch grandstand offerings as well as a quality midway.  The Association actively supports community groups such as 4-H, FFA, Extension Homemakers, and other service -oriented agencies.  Additionally, the Agricultural Association works to educate the public about the importance of agriculture in our community by promoting and encouraging agricultural groups to offer events and information displays.

The members of the Rush County Agricultural Association recognized the benefit of partnership with the Rush County Community Foundation and developed the Rush County Fairgrounds Fund in 2004.  Since that time, the designated endowment fund has provided annual disbursements to assist the Agricultural Association’s efforts to deliver the best fair experience possible in our community.  The fund routinely helps with the maintenance and upkeep of Rush County fairgrounds and buildings.

The Rush County Community Foundation loves fair week in our community as much as you do.  In addition to the fund disbursements from the Rush County Fairgrounds Fund, we’ve given more than $25,000 to the Rush County Agricultural Association and the Rush County Extension Service/Rush County 4-H via our community grants.  As you walk around the fairgrounds this year, we hope you’ll take special note of the ways your community foundation has made an impact on a long-lasting tradition so many families in our community cherish.  Of the ways our community grants have assisted the Rush County Agricultural Association, the most noticeable include:

• The remodel of restrooms in the livestock pavilion
• A new Public Address system at the fairground’s track
• New metal pens and fresh paint on all wood surfaces on the livestock pavilion

The Rush County Agricultural Association’s goal is to raise funds in the Rush County Fairgrounds Fund endowment that would allow annual distribution to pay for all needed expenses without additional grant support.  We hope you’ll help recognize their contribution to our community by assisting the attainment of their goal:  consider a donation the Rush County Fairgrounds Fund!

For more information or to make a donation, visit our office at 117 N. Main St., Rushville, our website at www.rushcountyfoundation.org, or give us a call at (765) 938-1177.  We also welcome you to visit us at our booth during fair week in the Rush/Shelby Energy Community Building.  You can learn more about our funds, make a donation, and see the good work of the Rush County Agricultural Association firsthand.