More Information on Hunter Fairgrounds

I would like to give a little more information on the Field at Riley Rink. To start with, the correct name is Hunter Fairgrounds at Riley Rink. It is the name we will use in the future.

We have been in ongoing conversations with the fairgrounds since the Manchester Fall show about the condition of the field. We were as upset as you were when it turned to mud with the rain. The problem was obvious; the field was so hard it did not drain at all.

Several engineers have looked at the field since the show and we have received assurance that it will be in better condition by spring.

The actual final construction and seeding of the field took place on May 25th.  Well behind the original scheduled time frame of the previous fall.  Shortly after the work was finished   we went into a rather uncharacteristic drought of almost 3 months that basically baked the field.  Several attempts to water the field manually were made and though the efforts no doubt helped, they were not sufficient enough to counter the dry period effect on the new grass.  In July the field was rolled (as was planned) to compress the many stones that still lay on the surface. This was successful at removing the stones, but also contributed to the compression of the ground. (Ironically, both these occurrences probably contributed to the hard-packed surface that kept cars and trucks from sinking in the mud at the Fall show).

Numerous professionals, including the ones who engineered and constructed the field, made it very clear that for the best results a full year should pass before any use of the field should take place.  Unfortunately that was not an option. 

As a result of the field's condition by the time of the fall show it had virtually no ability to absorb the amount of water that we experienced that week and weekend.  The field also it sustained substantial damage.

Since the date of the show there have been several meetings with engineers and construction people to assess where we stand.  The current plan is to clean up the condition of the field and reseed prior to this winter.  This is already underway, actually almost done.  It is anticipated that after a winter's frost and thaw that the ground should be in a very improved state and much easier to work with regarding any additional seeding, fertilizing and overall grass growth.

By the spring we will have an opportunity to see what areas still need attention regarding additional drainage requirements and implement any required fixes at that point.

It is still our belief that once given sufficient time to establish itself, the Hunter Fairground field will be more than adequate to meet the needs of our shows and provide a long-term home.

We will provide more information as it becomes available. I hope this gives you some clarity on the overall picture.  We certainly encourage any feedback from you about the field. Please call or email us.

- Tim Cianciola