Utica, NY – Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-119) joined the Boonville-Oneida County Fair’s Board of Directors, volunteers, and local elected officials last night at the annual Legislative Chicken BBQ to proudly announce $130,000 in state grant funding to rebuild the Fickbohm Barn at the Fairgrounds, one of several structures across the region severely damaged by extreme snowfall and weather this past winter.

The funding, advocated for and secured by Assemblywoman Buttenschon, will enable the replacement of the damaged Fickbohm Barn and the connection of plumbing and electrical services to the new facility, and is expected to take about a year to complete according to fair organizers.

Assemblywoman Buttenschon, who delivered the keynote address at the BBQ, announced the funding award with a ceremonial check presentation to Member of Fair Board of Directors Ben Simons and Treasurer Susan Alger, accepting on behalf of the Fair’s Board of Directors.

“Our fairgrounds showcase the heart, spirit, and dedication of our county’s agricultural community, and this new barn will ensure that this beloved local tradition continues for generations to come. I am proud to have secured this funding, and extend my sincere gratitude to the organizers and the countless volunteers who make the Boonville-Oneida County Fair such a great success year-after-year.”

The Assemblywoman also presented longtime fair volunteer and organizer Carl Trainor with a New York State Assembly Citation, recognizing his many years of dedicated service to the Fair.

“Carl Trainor has given decades of quiet, dedicated service to this fair, and it was an honor to recognize him in front of the community he has done so much for,” said Buttenschon.