Lake County fairgrounds vote next week

With a tentative approval already granted, plans for a new Lake County fairgrounds complex in Grayslake are expected to receive a final blessing from village board members next week.

Grayslake trustees will host a public hearing for the fairgrounds plan starting at 6:55 p.m. Tuesday at village hall, 10 S. Seymour Ave. After the last chance for public commentary, the village board will take a final vote.

If approved, the new fairgrounds would rise on the 160-acre Titus Farm near Peterson Road and Route 83. Construction would begin next month, with a goal of opening the state-of-the-art facility in July.

Grayslake Mayor Timothy Perry said about $500,000 in public money would be spent to extend sewer and water service to the fairgrounds' land. Another $2 million or so in village sales tax receipts would be contributed over time to the private Lake County Fair Association Inc., he said.

"We wanted to help out," Perry said at a recent Grayslake village board meeting.

An equestrian arena and warm-up space, amphitheater, permanent offices, animal barns, exhibit hall and motor sports area would be part of the new facility. There also would be a midway featuring games, rides and other attractions.

Project architect Dan Robison said decorative pole-mounted lights would be at the entrances. Grass parking would accommodate 4,237 cars along with a special area for 185 recreational vehicles.

Last week, Grayslake village board members granted final approval for a mall to be built on the current fairgrounds site at routes 45 and 120.