LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Allen County Fairgrounds is receiving long-needed infrastructure improvements this week thanks to volunteers from AEP Ohio's annual Week of Service.
AEP Ohio employees selected the fairgrounds as one of their community service projects, completing electrical upgrades that included replacing aging power poles and updating electrical connections throughout the campground.
The projects were chosen because they matched the crews' expertise and addressed maintenance needs that had existed for years.
"We just like to give back to our customers anytime we can. We have a week of volunteering here in AP Ohio. We thought it'd be good to help Troy and the Allen County fair out with some electrical repairs that's been needing to be addressed," said Ross Mueller, distribution system supervisor for AEP Ohio Lima and Van Wert .
Allen County Fairgrounds Manager Troy Elwer said the improvements are especially meaningful because the nonprofit fairgrounds often faces financial challenges when it comes to completing large infrastructure projects.
"Having their line trucks out here and their crews to help us make repairs and improvements to the property that have needed done for years is super helpful to us, especially from a financial perspective. I mean, with the fair being a nonprofit organization, It is very difficult to make ends meet from year to year, especially if we don't have a great fair. So having partners like AEP be able to step up and make things happen is something we're very appreciative for," Elwer said.
The AEP Ohio crews will continue their Week of Service on Thursday by volunteering at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.
