The Clay Jones Community Center at the Bryan County Fairgrounds underwent renovation and the work was completed before the free fair held last week.
The Durant Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting Sept. 5 to celebrate the remodeling.
District No. 3 Commissioner Brandon Carr said the project started with a $500,000 budget.
“We got into the building and wasn’t going to touch the kitchen,” Carr said. “But once we got in there, there was termites and mold and we more or less redid the whole entire building,” Carr said. “There was no insulation on the walls. We spray foamed it and it turned out really well.”
The building also has new air conditioning and bathrooms.
Durant Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janet Reed encouraged the public to call the county extension office to enquire about renting the facility.
“It’s open to the public and the fees are very reasonable and it is a great facility, something our county can really be proud of,” Reed said.
State Rep. Cody Maynard attended the ribbon cutting.
“I’m just excited that we have a brand-new awesome facility for our community,” Maynard said. “It’s been a great gathering ground for years and years, but it’s needed love and so I’m real excited that we have this facility for our community.”
Justin Boone is president of the Bryan County Fair Board and he will be taking office as commissioner for district 2 in January. Current commissioner Tony Simmons did not file for reelection and Boone was elected in the June primary election.
“It’s just an awesome thing to have a board of commissioners that’s been behind us,” Boone said. “It’s a breath of fresh air to have people that want to help and strive to make the community better and help our kids. I mean, I grew up out here. I’ve been here all my life and grew up around this barn. It’s a major blessing to have it.”
