(LEFT, from left) Council President Sue Maki, Hagerman Chief Operating Officer Bruce Molter, Commissioner Christine Altman, Commissioner Steve Dillinger, Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt, Council Member Ken Alexander, and Council Vice President Brad Beaver. (RIGHT) County Extension Director Susan Peterson. (Photos provided)
Posted By: The Reporter November 13, 2025
County leaders & Purdue Extension hold ribbon cutting
Hamilton County officials, Purdue Extension staff, and 4-H’ers gathered Monday afternoon, Nov. 10 to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Bicentennial Pavilion at the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds, 2003 Pleasant St., Noblesville.
The new facility replaces two iconic structures – the O.V. Winks and Annex buildings – which were removed to make way for Noblesville’s Pleasant Street project.
Steve Dillinger, President of the Hamilton County Commissioners, reflected on the day’s mix of nostalgia and optimism.
“It’s a happy and sad occasion,” Dillinger said. “If you grew up in this community, the O.V. Winks building was an icon. The happy news is that this new facility represents the beginning of a new era, and we look forward to this new beginning.”
The building’s design also honors the fairground’s past. Wood salvaged from the former O.V. Winks building has been incorporated into the ceiling of the pavilion’s entryway. County Extension Director Susan Peterson said she is grateful to see the project reach completion.
This wood ceiling was repurposed from the O.V. Winks Building for use in the entryway of the Bicentennial Pavilion. (Photo provided)
“We’re so proud of this new facility and so thankful for the opportunity to create something that will serve future generations,” Peterson said. “We know there were many projects competing for these dollars, and we are committed to being good stewards of this space and this investment.”
The Bicentennial Pavilion and key infrastructure upgrades across the campus were funded in part by a $15 million grant from the Hamilton County Council and Board of Commissioners. The new pavilion provides flexible indoor and outdoor areas for 4-H programming, community meetings, and private events year-round. It will be available for public and private events beginning after the first of the year.
Friends of Hamilton County Extension, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, also has plans for a new multipurpose arena. A public fundraising campaign for that effort is expected to launch in spring 2026.
