Bradley Barn Reconstruction

The Bradley Barn, built in 1990, containing 33 horse stalls, 1 10'x10' office and a clear span arena that measured 55' wide by 170' long, burned to the ground on June 27, 2004. Overall size of the building was 95' wide by 170' long. The insurance policies held, covered the building for fire and as of December 1, 2004, $190,000.00 has been paid to the Fairboard. This amount is the total to be paid for the loss by the Insurance Companies. New fire codes and local regulation have made many changes since 1990, not to mention material and labor cost increases over the past 14 plus years. To replace the Bradley Barn as it stood prior to burning with the new updates and to meet 2005 regulations and fire codes will cost in excess of $400,000.00.

The cause of the fire was listed as "undetermined" by the Fire Marshals and Insurance Company Adjusters. The Fairboard does not feel arson played a part in the fire and are extremely thankful that no one or any animals were harmed. Present members of the Fairboard feel that it was a must to replace the Bradley Barn for it was the most used feature of the entire facility. After extensive research and input from patrons, improvements are being considered providing funding is available.

What Improvements?
The barns original 170' length would extend 50 feet south toward U.S. 60 making a overall length of 220'. This will make the arena area 220 x 55 feet, giving 2750 more square feet of work space than was had before. It would also add 10 more stalls bringing the total to 44, up from 33. Good stabling is in short supply at the fairgrounds. The largest improvement would be an Office off the northeast corner of the new structure, which would contain (How many?) square feet plus the addition of handicap accessible restrooms with showers. The existing concrete block restrooms are outdated by plumbing, electrical, regulations and zoning standards in addition to being a tremendous drain on fairground finances and volunteer man hours. Blueprints of the new facility can be viewed in PDF format by clicking on the files listed here.   Horse Barn - Layout 1            Horse Barn - Layout 2

Here's where your help is needed!
The cost of the new barn with improvements will be ($425,000.00) of which we have $190,000.00 of insurance money plus in hand donations of $27,895.00 at this time. A commitment from Citizens Union Bank, The Shelbyville Horse Show and Commonwealth Bank & Trust of $20,000.00 each has been pledged. These three pledges are to be paid over a four year period with payments of $5,000.00 each, for a total contribution of $60,000.00. That still leaves a long way to go for a non-profit facility that has provided 136 plus years of public services to the community. Bids for the barn were let in December 2004 and several builders bid on the project. Walters Builders was awarded the contract. Walters built the original Bradley Barn and also built the 90 x 250 Livestock Facility in addition to the Pavilion at the south end of the Horse Show Ring. Construction started in late January 2005 so that the new and improved Bradley Barn can be used for the 2005 Shelby County Fair.

Here's how you can help.
Did you know monetary donations to the Shelby County Fairgrounds are totally tax deductible? The Shelby County A&M is a registered 501(c)3 Organization. Upon receiving your donation, a letter approved by the IRS, thanking you for your charitable gift will be sent to you to file with your taxes, giving you a deduction of the same amount from your tax liability. Most people think the Shelby County Fairgrounds is owned by Shelby County Government and/or the City of Shelbyville. In fact, the fairgrounds is not owned by any one individual or group of individuals. It is a non-profit organization governed by a board, elected by and from the membership of over 200 Shelby County A&M Association members. The Fairboard has gone out on a limb and borrowed the additional money needed to replace the Bradley Barn in order for events at the fairgrounds to continue to bring visitors to our community. The Shelby County Fairgrounds desperately needs your help.  Check out the contributions categories on the Contributions link on this page.

Money contributed by Shelby County Fiscal Court for construction of barns