Community 1st Supports Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds Expansion with $10,000 Grant

posted on Monday, July 20, 2026 in Announcements

Community 1st Credit Union Foundation is proud to announce the award of a $10,000 community grant to the Original Pottawattamie County Fair Board Association to help support the construction of a new Livestock Exposition Center at the Pottawattamie County Fairgrounds in Avoca, Iowa.

The Original Pottawattamie County Fair, established in 1896, has served as a cornerstone of the community, promoting agriculture, youth development, and family-friendly entertainment.  The new Livestock Exposition Center will replace aging facilities with an efficient barn designed to better accommodate livestock projects while improving electrical systems, ventilation, accessibility, and spectator seating.

The overall project represents a $300,000 investment in the future of agriculture and youth livestock programs in western Iowa. The new facility will provide a safer, more functional environment for exhibitors, volunteers, and fairgoers while creating additional space to support the fair's continued growth.

“C1st is committed to strengthening the communities we serve,” said Greg Hanshaw, President and CEO of Community 1st Credit Union. "The Livestock Exposition Center is a meaningful investment in the future of our region. It celebrates the importance of local agriculture, supports young people as they develop valuable life skills, and helps create stronger connections across our communities. We are proud to support a project that will benefit agricultural families and our community as a whole for years to come."