AEP Ohio employees completed electrical upgrades and infrastructure repairs at the Allen County Fairgrounds as part of the company's annual Week of Service. The volunteer effort helped the nonprofit fairgrounds address long-needed maintenance projects while crews prepare to continue their work at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds.

The Allen County Fair is preparing for its 176th year with more than $1.7 million in fairgrounds improvements and a renewed effort to recruit younger volunteers. Organizers will also celebrate America's 250th birthday throughout the nine-day fair, culminating with a fireworks display on the final night.

Troy Elwer, operations manager for the Allen County Fair, praised the students’ work. “The kids in the welding and electrical programs are extremely talented individuals, and anyone that took the time to come through Mercy Health Bright Nights this year, it was easy to tell which displays those Apollo kids brought to the table,” Elwer said.

A big announcement was made by Allen County Fairgrounds about their headliner in August. Country-rock singer Koe Wetzel is set to perform at the fair. 

Troy Elwer, the fair’s promotions and operations manager, spoke Monday at the Lima Rotary Club, giving an update on preparations at the fairgrounds for the big event.

“We felt like it was a really cool way to kind of commemorate this year's celebratory year, being the 175th,” said Troy Elwer, Promotions and Operations Manager. “The way that you can actually purchase that merchandise, if you go to our website at allencofair.com you'll see a scrolling screen at the top that says, fair wear. You click on that and you can make your purchases online.”

This initiative builds on recent improvements to the fairgrounds, including adult changing tables and automatic door openers — all part of an ongoing effort to make the fair more accessible to all.

LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - The Allen County Agriculture Society board of directors holding their monthly meeting.