The city of Merrill wants a fresh start when taking over the Lincoln County Fairgrounds, including a new name for the property.
While both city and county officials agreed on terms of the sale last week, the transaction won’t take place until September.
In the meantime, a special committee appointed by the mayor, is holding a contest to rename the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. The contest also will help raise funds for the future development and rehabilitation of the property.
Debbe Kinsey, the CEO of the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce said there’s only one contest rule— the proposed name cannot have the words “fairground” or “fairgrounds” in it.
“It’s no longer going to be a fairgrounds, it’s going to be a grounds for many different types of activity, not just the fair,” Kinsey said.
The fairground also hosts the Wisconsin River Pro Rodeo and an annual Labor Day car show.
City officials hope to use the property for at least three seasons, keep it well maintained and attract a variety of entertainers. Some of those events could include music, tractor pulls and “everything in between,” Kinsey said.
The deadline to enter is July 3. The committee will pick up to three names. After that, the public will get a chance to vote on their favorite name. Donations are $5 per vote. The winning entry will be announced in September.
The winner will receive two tickets to each of the public events that take place on the grounds during the 2016 season.
Contest details
Entry forms can be picked up at the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce, 705 N. Center Avenue, Merrill 54452. Or, entries can be emailed to manager@merrillchamber.org with your name, address, city, telephone number, email and the name entry.
The deadline is July 3.
