Mower County and fair board officials are concerned about the fair’s grandstand showing its age.

Fair board members recently went to the county’s building committee with fears that there are signs of dry rot in the main support columns of the grandstand.

Commissioner Jerry Reinartz, who sits on the building committee, suggested the county board hire a structural engineer to determine if the structure is still safe.

“We certainly don’t want it being used during the fair this year if it’s not safe,” Reinartz said.

If the structure is deemed unsafe, Reinartz said the board would likely have to look to alternative options for the fair this year like portable bleachers.

If the structural integrity of the grandstand is compromised, Reinartz said, it would likely be a costly repair — if it would even be worth repairing at all.

The county board is responsible for maintaining the buildings at the fair.

“Our main concern is safety,” Reinartz said. “If it’s deemed to be unsafe by this structural engineer, than we’re not going to allow it to be used.”