Fairgrounds Seeks Design Firms, Exposition Building Addition Planned

The Holmes County Agricultural Society has opened a qualifications process for design build firms to work on the Harvest Ridge Exposition Building Addition at 8880 OH 39 in Millersburg. Firms seeking the request for qualifications must contact Joshua Galbraith, P.E., P.S., Criteria Engineer, at [email protected]. Qualifications will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on November 24, 2025. The notice was published in the Holmes County Bargain Hunter on November 8 and November 15, 2025.

This announcement places the project on a visible procurement track and gives local and regional firms a firm deadline to prepare qualifications. As of November 19, 2025 the deadline is five days away, making this a near term opportunity for firms that specialize in integrated project delivery. The use of a design build approach signals the Agricultural Society is seeking a single contracted team to provide both design and construction services, a method that can shorten schedules and align design choices with budget and constructability concerns.

For Holmes County residents the immediate implications are practical and economic. Short term, the procurement and subsequent construction work can generate local employment for tradespeople and create demand for materials, catering and lodging during peak work periods. Longer term, an expanded exposition building increases capacity for fairs, exhibitions and community events held at the Harvest Ridge facility, which can raise vendor revenue and visitor spending when events are held. Local organizers and small businesses that rely on county events should monitor the project timeline because increased or larger events can translate into higher bookings and seasonal sales.

Procurement notices published in the Bargain Hunter give vendors a transparent avenue to engage. Interested firms should ensure their submissions meet the requirements outlined by the Criteria Engineer and arrive before the stated deadline. The Agricultural Society will likely follow standard public procurement steps after qualification submittals, though firms should rely on the official RFQ documentation for process details.

Community stakeholders including event promoters, vendors and municipal leaders will want to track the selection and project schedule because construction timing affects event planning and local traffic patterns. The Agricultural Society contact remains Joshua Galbraith via the provided email for firms seeking the RFQ and for those with questions about submission procedures.