Many just slept on the ground under the large trees. The emphasis of Chautauqua went from religion to politics, and finally to entertainment. In 1897 the facility closed and the grounds were sold. Anton Vavra converted it into an amusement park, with vaudeville shows, carnivals, and the county fair. The pavilion at Valva Park hosted many famous bands, and baseball was one of the main attractions.
Facilities continue to be improved by local organizations' service projects.
They have expanded the playground and added more ball diamonds. The county fair board has added a number of new buildings for its annual events. As Crete expanded, frame buildings gave way to brick. The three-story Band Building was the first, and housed an opera house on the second floor. Cars began to replace the horse and buggy.