Wanted: Land for fairgrounds — and more in York County

By Matt Garfield - mgarfield@heraldonline.com

Looking to unload 160 acres of prime real estate for a reasonable price?

York County farmers and horse owners want to hear from you.

A group working to bring an agricultural center to York County has put out a public call asking landowners to offer up potential sites. But not just any land will do.

The ideal site will offer at least 160 acres close to a major thoroughfare. It must be suitable for building. And a decent price is key.

It's the latest step in an effort to develop a new York County fairgrounds and agricultural center. Among its possible elements: An indoor events arena, open-air barns, a banquet hall and parking areas for RVs.

The search already has begun. A consultant hired by the county scouted five suggested locations and gave the highest rating to the old Pursley Dairy Farm, off S.C. 161 in Newport.

“There could be land out there we don't know about,” said Carol Deacon, a farmer and horse owner who is helping to lead the search. “Several (landowners) have identified themselves, but that's not to say there's not another perfect piece out there.”

The dairy farm still is an option, Deacon said. Organizers hope to make a recommendation to County Council members early next year after they sort through all potential sites.

“We're throwing the net as widely as we can,” said Bennish Brown, director of the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We don't want to miss anything.”

Though the agricultural center would be built in phases, Deacon said it's possible that a debut event could be held late next year. An outdoor exhibit show would require little more than flat land and a gravel parking lot, she said.

Vision dates back years

For 50 years, visitors came to a field on Cherry Road in Rock Hill to ride the Ferris wheel, play carnival games and walk through an exhibit barn during the York County Fair. The last fair was held in 2007. The American Legion sold the fairgrounds property to Winthrop University, which has turned it into a parking lot.

Supporters say the potential benefits of a bigger venue dwarf a price tag that could approach $4 million. A recent study by a Tampa, Fla., consulting firm found that an agricultural center could deliver $10.5 million in annual economic impact for York County.

Money to build the facility could come from multiple sources, including private donations and hospitality tax revenues generated by a 2 percent tax on prepared food and drinks.

Got land?

Interested landowners should contact Bennish Brown, director of the York County Convention & Visitors Bureau, by calling 803-329-5200 or e-mailing bbrown@visityorkcounty.com. The deadline to apply is Nov. 30.