Two years ago, a demolition order sat on a desk, awaiting only a signature before a dilapidated building met the wrecking ball.
Now, that 1905 building, recently restored and renamed Fairpark Grand, has a new life. Gov. Norm Bangerter, Elder L. Tom Perry of the Council of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and other dignitaries dedicated the stately structure, hailed as the crown jewel in the State Fairgrounds, during Monday night festivities.The building, which sits near the southeast corner of the fairgrounds, took months to renovate at a cost of more than $2 million. It is the most visible part of a general renovation that has engulfed the fairgrounds, recently renamed the Utah State Fairpark.
Even Brigham Young, portrayed by actor James Arrington, found the dedication ceremony worthy enough to merit his presence as master of ceremonies. Arrington, in his Brother Brigham role, provided a historical perspective by telling how there used to be fairs when Utah was only a territory so "everybody would know what it was we were producin'."
Bangerter, who was introduced by Brother Brigham, praised Utah's heritage as an integral part of the Fairpark and Utah state fairs. "It was the Brother Brighams of the world who started something wonderful in these valleys," he said. Dressed like the other dignitaries in an old-fashioned top hat, Bangerter also praised the state fair as "one of the finest, if not the finest in America."
Jackie Nokes, director of the Utah State Fair and driving force behind the Fairpark renovation, said she is pleased with the results after so much time and money was spent. Along with other speakers she noted how dilapidated the fairgrounds were when she was named fair director. "I hate to admit it, ladies and gentlemen, but it needed a woman's touch," she said.
The speeches were followed by a dedicatory prayer from Elder Perry. Before and after the ceremony, there was a turn-of-the-century atmosphere as invited guests took tours of the Fairpark in horse-drawn carriages and had their pictures taken by an old-fashioned camera.
The renovated grounds will host the 133rd Utah State Fair, Sept. 7-17. Nokes hopes the improved buildings will be used for more than the state fair, however, and plans to rent them out to different groups for various activities throughout the year.