Hamilton County celebrated a step towards the future while nodding to the past with the ribbon cutting of the new Bicentennial Pavilion at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds. In a gathering that drew county officials, Purdue Extension staff, and 4H members this Monday, the long-awaited facility officially opened to replace the historic O.V. Winks and Annex buildings, paving the way for the ambitious Reimagine Pleasant Street project.
Despite the sense of loss for the old structures, optimism for the new pavilion was palpable. "It's a happy and sad occasion,” President of the Hamilton County Commissioners, Steve Dillinger, said in a statement obtained by Hamilton County’s official website. Dillinger highlighted the dual emotions tied to the event, recognizing the iconic status of the demolished O.V. Winks building but also hopeful for the “beginning of a new era.”
Preserving the soul of the site, wood from the O.V. Winks building has been carefully integrated into the new pavilion’s entryway ceiling. "We’re so proud of this new facility and so thankful for the opportunity to create something that will serve future generations," she told Hamilton County’s news release.
The facility’s funding was a part of a larger $15 million grant, with hope to serve broadly – from 4-H programming to community gatherings, and available to host both public and private events starting the upcoming year. To further enrich the community's resources, the Friends of Hamilton County Extension, a non-profit entity, is expected to start a public fundraising campaign in the spring of 2026 for a brand new multipurpose arena.
