Hamilton County officials, Purdue Extension staff, and 4-H members gathered Monday afternoon to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Bicentennial Pavilion at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds.

The modern facility replaces two long-standing structures — the O.V. Winks and Annex buildings — that were removed to make way for the City of Noblesville’s Reimagine Pleasant Street project.

Steve Dillinger, president of the Hamilton County Commissioners, reflected on the balance of nostalgia and progress during the ceremony.

“It’s a happy and sad occasion,” Dillinger said. “If you grew up in this community, the O.V. Winks building was an icon. The happy news is that this new facility represents the beginning of a new era—and we look forward to this new beginning.”

The design of the Bicentennial Pavilion pays tribute to the fairgrounds’ history. Wood salvaged from the former O.V. Winks building was incorporated into the ceiling of the pavilion’s entryway, preserving a tangible piece of local heritage.

County Extension Director Susan Peterson expressed gratitude for the completion of the project.

“We’re so proud of this new facility and so thankful for the opportunity to create something that will serve future generations,” Peterson said. “We know there were many projects competing for these dollars, and we are committed to being good stewards of this space and this investment.”

The $15 million project was funded in part through a grant from the Hamilton County Council and Board of Commissioners. The new pavilion provides flexible indoor and outdoor space for 4-H programming, community meetings, and private events throughout the year. It is expected to be available for public and private use beginning after the first of the year.

In addition, Friends of Hamilton County Extension, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, plans to move forward with a new multipurpose arena on the fairgrounds campus. A public fundraising campaign for that project is expected to launch in spring 2026.