‘Feel the Love’ program brings new AC system to Central Iowa Fairgrounds activity building
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The Central Iowa Fairgrounds host a wide range of activities throughout the year on the east side of Marshalltown, but until recently, the activities building had never had an air conditioning system. That has now changed thanks to the Lennox "Feel the Love" program in partnership with Hardon's Inc. of Tama.
On Tuesday morning, Marty Hardon and his team were onsite to install the new system donated by Lennox, with Hardon's taking care of the installation and materials. It is the ninth "Feel the Love" installation the Tama-based company has completed, with recipients ranging from individuals in need to community landmarks like the Binford House in Marshalltown.
"I've been coming here since I was a kid, so it's promising to be able to give a little bit back. They give us a lot of work, and we do a lot here too. So we want to reflect that back when we can, and thanks to Lennox for paying for the equipment and us paying for the rest of it. We're gonna get them cooling in a building where they haven't had it before," Hardon said. "The Central Iowa Fairgrounds are an important gathering place, and we're proud to support this local and regional venue."
CIF Board Member Terri Guenther-Mayer also discussed what the new system means for the fairgrounds looking forward to the future.
"This grant helps relieve a major financial commitment for the Fair Board. Instead of fundraising and budgeting around a large HVAC expense, the board can put more of its resources toward the things that directly benefit fairgoers, exhibitors, 4-H and FFA families, activities, and the community. The fairgrounds are a community asset. Improving the building means improving a facility that will serve Marshalltown and the surrounding area beyond fair week," she said. "The grant represents an investment in the fair’s future. It says that the work volunteers put in, the opportunities the fair provides to young people, and the role the fairgrounds play in bringing the community together are worth supporting. And for a volunteer fair board, having a major building improvement taken care of through a community partnership is huge."
Contact Robert Maharry at (641) 753-6611 ext. 255 or rmaharry@timesrepublican.com.