The recent approval to replace some buildings at the Mower County Fairgrounds will only benefit this community.

It will help not only in the improved physical appearance of the structures, but it will also instill an additional sense of community pride in what we have to offer those who live here, and also those who are visiting our county.

Three buildings will be replaced, including a sheep barn and two other buildings near Crane Pavilion.

The fair is sometimes the lone event that folks from outside of this area get to see in Mower County. As a result, however 'fair' it may be, going to the county fair may be these visitors' only impression of Austin and Mower County.

It only makes sense that we should show visitors (and those who live here) that we have good facilities at the fairgrounds.

More importantly, it shows that we're concerned about others’ safety, as we don't want folks visiting dilapidated buildings that could be in danger of falling apart.

Not that it's the case at the fairgrounds, by a long shot.

However, making continual and needed physical improvements at the fairgrounds will only help the image of this community, and will boost its image to those who view it from the outside as well.