Deal that makes sense

Now this is what you call a long-term relationship.

Jay County Commissioners this week extended the county's lease on its portion of the Jay County Fairgrounds to the year 2050.

The relationship dates back to 1874 when about 40 acres of land on East Votaw Street in Portland was leased by the county to the Jay County Agricultural Company, the predecessor of the Jay County Fair Association. In 1959, the county extended its lease to the fair association to the year 2023.

Over the past 136 years, those at the helm of the county fair have erected dozens of buildings, made countless improvements, and acquired - through the generosity of the late Marian Abromson - additional land north of the original county-owned grounds.

The record of the fair board is particularly strong since the 1970s when an infusion of new blood and new leadership led by Everett May Jr. transformed the Jay County Fair into one of the best in the state of Indiana and the fairgrounds into something to be proud of.

Cementing that relationship with a new lease for another 40 years makes sense for all concerned and guarantees that a track record of success, innovation, and stewardship will be continued. - J.R.

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