(Jackson, Mn.)– A new attraction was officially unveiled earlier this week at the Jackson County Fair. A ribbon cutting was held Wednesday for the “Benda Barn Yard from Old Acres”.
Matt Benda of Jackson is the son of George and Jean Benda. Matt says it was made possible through donations and memorials for his dad who has passed away. He says his dad was a longtime advocate of the Jackson County Fair and a proponent of raising and showing livestock…
“It feels so good to know that it’s two things: one, it’s honoring livestock. It’s showcasing the importance of livestock in our communities and also connections with the kids. I like to think that this is a good opportunity where families can come with their kids, kids can come put their phones down, be exposed to livestock and how important it is in the community. I said during the dedication I remember as a kid spending hours on a showbox. Our social life was not on a cell phone, it was on a showbox. That was how you met kids and that’s how you met people from all over and hopefully this will be a gathering space as well. And so it really is a tribute to our dad and what his dedication was to livestock and just the partnership with the fair.”
Benda thanks everyone who donated and worked in getting the building put up, along with the Jackson County Fair Board…
“The community has been fantastic. Like I said people started making donations back when my dad passed away and there’s been, if you get out here you should look at the sign and acknowledge all the people that have made contributions. We are taking contributions so there is a little Venmo on there with the barnyard, so if people want to make contributions. I think this will be a long partnership with the Fair Board to continue to develop this area and come up with great ideas, and so we’re just honored with the partnership, honored to continue that great tradition.”
The Jackson County Fair continues through Saturday in Jackson.
