The Lorain County Fairgrounds is high-stepping into a new era with a transformative $12 million renovation and expansion project that is expected to redefine the possibilities for the treasured Wellington attraction.
On the eve of the 2025 Lorain County Fair — its 179th annual event — fair organizers will officially unveil the two new major additions with a ribbon cutting at the Ross Exposition Center and the Maureen M. Cromling Memorial Arena.
At a sprawling 67,000 square feet, the Ross Expo Center is designed with flexibility and durability in mind. The climate-controlled facility features oversized overhead doors capable of accommodating semis, antimicrobial flooring that allows for quick transitions between livestock shows and athletic tournaments and a layout that can host everything from car shows to trade expos.
The center includes restrooms on both sides, family shower areas and a staging kitchen. It is also equipped with hookups for food trucks and concession trailers, while digital amenities like two large video walls and vestibule screens enhance the visitor experience. The facility also includes ticket offices and a conference room, making it a turnkey solution for large-scale events.
The Maureen M. Cromling Memorial Arena, located between the fairgrounds’ north and south horse barns, was built specifically for equestrian events. It’s an open-air, competition-sized arena with sound and Wi-Fi throughout, a judge’s office and an announcer’s stand. The addition of 240 box stalls ensures that the arena can accommodate large horse shows.
Judy Key, facilities director at the Lorain County Fairgrounds, says the Expo Center is already booked through mid-October, with events ranging from antique toy shows to career expos and even a visit from the Ohio Gun Collectors.
“It’s no secret that most fairs cannot survive off one week out of the year,” says Key, “For a lot of people, the fair is very nostalgic, and it is hard sometimes to welcome change. But to make sure that it's there for generations to come, you must do something to sustain and fund the fairgrounds. And that's exactly where these projects come in and will help support the fairgrounds 365 days a year.”
It was a vision that began in 2019, just before the pandemic, when a group of board members, volunteers and community advocates launched the Fairs Forever campaign. Their goal was ambitious: to create modern, multi-use facilities that could sustain the fairgrounds beyond its traditional one-week event.
Today, that vision is nearly realized, with $11.93 million raised, which includes a $4 million donation from the Ross Foundation, $1.5 million from the Lorain County Commissioners, $1.5 million from the Lorain County Agricultural Society, and an additional $4 million from individual board members and other community supporters.
These renovations are more than just upgrades — they’re a strategic investment in the future, Key says. Positioned on the west side of the fairgrounds, the new facilities leave room for expansion and additional parking. With 7,500 parking spaces already available, the fairgrounds are well-equipped to handle the 100,000 to 120,000 visitors who attend the Lorain County Fair each year.
The next phase of development is already on the horizon. A new Beef Barn is expected to break ground shortly after this year’s fair, with plans to open by spring. The 16,000-square-foot barn will house cattle and include space for shows and sales, giving local youth a place to work on their summer projects and further expanding the fairgrounds’ year-round utility.
“These renovations reflect a commitment to preserving tradition while embracing growth,” Key says. “We want to ensure that our fairgrounds remain sustainable for our community for generations to come.”
