Other Expo Center projects are moving along and most should be ready for the start of the West Texas Fair and Rodeo slated to begin Sept. 5, he said. The walls of a new six-booth ticket office are in place and a tunnel that will provide an alternate entrance into the main arena on the northwest side of the building is about 75 percent complete, McMillan said. However, heavy spring rains now have crews working overtime to ensure Play Street will be accessible for the start of the fair and football season. Plans call for the street, which runs north-south between the fairgrounds and Shotwell Stadium, to be extended about 1,400 feet to connect with Loop 322. McMillan said all of the roadwork may not be completed by September, but the portion of road from the fairgrounds to the stadium will be done.
Rain also is blamed for delays on the completion of a covered outdoor stage.
Early estimates cited a July 4 finish. McMillan said the completion date is now expected in mid-August. Construction of a new Big Country Hall and renovations to the Round Building and Modern Living Mall will begin after September's fair. Taylor County Commissioners are scheduled to approve bid specifications and advertising for the building renovations at their meeting today. E.W. Scripps Publications , All Rights Reserved.