Warren County To Sell The 94-acre Fairgrounds Property To The City of Lebanon

LEBANON, OH -- In an official press release from the city of Lebanon, Warren County's County seat, an announcement was made that..."Warren County will sell the 94-acre Fairgrounds property to the City of Lebanon, enabling a sustainable management model that balances community growth with preservation of our farming roots."

According to the press release this is a way to help unite Warren County and it county seat, which is Lebanon while strengthening and preserving  both the county and city's heritage.

Below is the Official Press Release

Today, the Warren County Board of Commissioners and the City of Lebanon announced a strategic partnership to enhance Lebanon’s role as the county seat of Warren County, unlock new economic investment opportunities—particularly along North Broadway—and safeguard our rich agricultural heritage. Under this agreement, Warren County will sell the 94-acre Fairgrounds property to the City of Lebanon, enabling a sustainable management model that balances community growth with preservation of our farming roots.

For decades, the Warren County Fairgrounds has been more than an event space: it’s a symbol of our farming heritage and a place for 4-H leadership development activities. But the existing financial and operational model is no longer viable. This agreement ensures the Fairgrounds continue to host the Warren County Junior Fair, 4-H youth programs, and harness horse training under leases with the City, while positioning Lebanon to leverage grants and private investment for broader community revitalization.

“We’re excited to partner with the City of Lebanon to support its vision for a thriving downtown and expanded North Broadway corridor,” said the Warren County Board of Commissioners. “At the same time, we honor our agricultural past by preserving the Fairgrounds, sustaining youth development, and ensuring those traditions remain part of our future.”

Key Benefits of the Partnership

• Economic Development & Community Vision: City ownership opens doors to state and federal grants, private investment, and coordinated planning that will energize North Broadway and downtown Lebanon. The city will also develop a comprehensive vision for the Fairgrounds parcel—one that meets the evolving needs of our growing community and delivers lasting benefits for all residents.
• Heritage Preservation & Youth Leadership Development: Under multi-year leases, the city will partner with the Warren County Agricultural Society to host the annual Junior Fair and with the 4-H program to maintain youth facilities—jointly overseeing maintenance standards, capital improvements, event scheduling, and grant applications—while Warren County continues to provide on-site security, ensuring these traditions remain accessible, safe, and financially sound.

Lebanon Mayor Mark A. Messer added, “This partnership between Warren County and the City of Lebanon is a clear example of how thoughtful collaboration can fuel economic vitality without compromising the character that makes Lebanon unique. This investment ensures the Warren County Fairgrounds will remain a place where our history is honored and reimagined; and where families, youth, and local industry continue to thrive.”

A formal agreement will be presented this fall to both the Warren County Commission and Lebanon City Council for approval.

Additional Information

The City of Lebanon is committed to preserving the Fairgrounds as a cornerstone of our community, while identifying opportunities for investment to enhance the economic vitality of the City. To ensure that community programs continue for future generations, under the terms of the proposed agreement:

• The Warren County Agricultural Society would enter into a long-term lease with the City to continue hosting the annual Warren County Fair.
• The City will work with the Warren County Harness Horsemen’s Association on a lease of the practice track and multiple barns to support the harness horse industry.
• The City will work with the Track Kitchen on a lease to support their continued operation.

The City will engage with the public throughout this process. More information about timelines, terms and opportunities for public input will be shared as the agreement progresses.

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