09/11/2026
🚜 PROGRESS IS HAPPENING! The Future of Agricultural Education Is Taking Shape!
After more than 10 years of vision, discussion and planning — and more than a year of dedicated fundraising and preparation — the future of agricultural education at the Columbia County Fairgrounds is officially underway!
As promised and advertised, the C.A.L.F. — Columbia Agricultural Learning Facility — capital improvement project is now under construction.
The first two days have already brought some BIG changes.
🏗️ Days 1 & 2 Progress:
The demolition crew has been hard at work, and Barns 1 and 2 have officially been taken down, marking the beginning of a transformation that has been years in the making.
While it’s certainly a little bittersweet to see these historic structures come down, we’re excited about what is coming next. These barns have served generations of exhibitors, 4-H families, farmers and fairgoers — and now we’re taking the next step in preserving agriculture at the Columbia County Fair for future generations.
The new 16,000-square-foot C.A.L.F. facility will provide modern livestock space while creating an exciting agricultural learning environment where visitors can see, experience and better understand where their food comes from and the important role agriculture plays in our community.
🌱 The old is making way for the new.
🐄 Agriculture remains at the heart of our Fair.
🏗️ And the future is being built right here in Chatham.
These are just the first steps. Follow along right here as we document the progress of this incredible project from demolition to completion!
The future of agricultural education is getting closer every day.
