COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Boone County officials and some vendors say they are concerned the closing of the Central Missouri Events Center could hurt the region's economy.
The center, formerly known as the Boone County Fairground, will hold only a few events before closing shortly after Thanksgiving. The decision came after county voters in August soundly defeated a proposed eight-cent sales tax to support the center, other county parks and economic development.
The Columbia Daily Tribune reports a gun show and a barrel racing event are all that's left on the center's calendar. The center hosted events including animal shows to automotive swap shops and a cowboy church.
The County Fair Board says it still plans to hold the fair on the property next year but it might be a smaller event.
