(MEDIA RELEASE, Carroll County, GA)
The Carroll County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the purchase of 69.21 +/- acres located at 2358 and 2365 Carrollton Villa Rica Highway, Villa Rica. Since the sale of the former VFW Fairgrounds to the Carroll County Schools, citizens have been voicing their desire for Carroll County to seek a location that could house a new venue that could benefit our citizens with events such as county fairs, rodeos, job fairs, and other community events. The Carroll County Ag Center located on Newnan Road in Carrollton is the most utilized venue in Carroll County and is booked out for months in advance, so by the county incorporating a new venue, it will assist in alleviating the wait list for those who wish to host large scale events and provide extra space for citizen engagement.
Carroll County plans to build an open-air arena that will house rodeos and concerts, and other events that can be held rain or shine, and a secondary building that will be utilized for trade shows, craft fairs, and other sources of entertainment. The idea for the layout of the property will be familiar to those who have visited Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta, GA. The funds to purchase the property derived from reimbursement funds from the Federal Government that was placed into the General Fund account, so that no local taxpayer dollars were used to obtain the property.
“I want to thank Chairman Morgan and the Board of Commissioners for working together to make this upcoming project a great entertainment venue. The selling of the VFW property and the fairgrounds eliminated many of the different entertainment and functions that were once held at that location. Rodeos, County Fairs, Musical Concerts, Gun, and Knife Shows are just a few of the many events that will be able to continue for Carroll County citizens at this new venue. This property is in an ideal location in a commercial corridor and is easily accessible from I-20.” District 3 Commissioner Tommy Lee said in a statement. “Also, the impact of additional revenues flowing into Carroll County from hotels, fuel, and restaurants will benefit all citizens. This venue will be a landmark for Carroll County Citizens for many years to come and I am very happy to be a part of this exciting new endeavor.” District 3 Commissioner Tommy Lee continued.
District 1 Commissioner Montrell McClendon said of the vote last night. “Last night’s vote marks a pivotal moment for our community, as we take a bold step towards creating a new venue that will enrich the lives of our citizens and foster a sense of togetherness. This investment in our future reflects our commitment to enhancing local culture, promoting economic growth, and ensuring that every voice is heard in shaping the spaces we share.”
“As a fiscal conservative, I see the purchase and development of this property as a significant bonus for our citizens,” stated Villa Rica Mayor Leslie McPherson. “The events that will be held at this location will benefit all of Carroll County, but especially the citizens and businesses in Villa Rica. Visitors will travel from near and far, particularly from I-20, to visit and spend money at this venue, enriching the tourism revenue that added approximately $162 million to Carroll County in 2022 alone. This directly benefits Villa Rica’s restaurants, hotels, and businesses. This type of economic development helps local governments keep taxes lowered, lessening the burden on taxpayers. I am excited for all the possibilities this venue will hold for entertainment, such as fairs, rodeos, and other events that will become cherished places for families and visitors to make memories for years to come,” she continued.
Although the Carroll County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the purchase of the property last evening, there are still a lot of decisions to be made during the future planning process where community input will be encouraged and welcomed.
