NM Ag Expo New Facility
In 2012 visitors and vendors at the 20th annual New Mexico Ag Expo will be in for a treat as the main body of the show moves to the new Roosevelt County Events Center at the Roosevelt County Fairgrounds.
The 2012 New Mexico Ag Expo, sponsored by Plateau Wireless and Dairy Farmers of America runs Feb. 21-22 at the Roosevelt County Fairgrounds in Portales.
The new building is just south of the Idsinga Pavilion which, was the main vendor location in recent years. The new facility is a multi-purpose center that will be used for everything from show barn to roping arena to concert venue.
The building is nearly 50,000 square feet with modern bathrooms and efficient heating and cooling. Large overhead doors on three sides of the building provide easy access for vendors and adjacent spectator stands will allow visitors a chance to rest as they make their way through the exhibits. WiFi Internet and a modern public address system will enhance communication with attendees and vendors alike.
This year the Ag Expo will be doing a hard roller pack of the arena floor and no peanut hulls will be used as in the past.
“We believe the way the arena floor will be prepared this year over the way it was done in the past at the Idsinga Pavilion will be a huge improvement,” said Roosevelt County Chamber Executive Director Karl Terry. “We believe there will be very little, if any dust and we know that climate control and electric outlets will be far superior in this building.
Terry said that besides the convenience to visitors of having all the exhibitors in one building, the new facility will free up space in other buildings that can be used for functions such as the Rotary Pork Chop luncheon and Dairy Farmers of America luncheon and meeting.
“DFA is excited about the change and they’re preparing for improved attendance because of the new venue,” said Terry. “We’ll also be moving outside vendors down along the south side of the new building and in-between the two main buildings to create a good tight flow for visitors.”
The Idsinga Pavilion will be utilized for various demonstrations, including sessions by well-known horse trainer Scott Daily of Ark City Kan. That will provide a larger more comfortable indoor facility for those types of programs, said Terry.
There is no admission to the grounds or any of the events during the two-day run of the Expo. The show will run from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22. For applications or more information about vendor booths or attendance call (800) 635-8036, email the Expo at chamber@portales.com.
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