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Postcards mailed to over 2,300 addresses in the immediate Rush City area,  seeking feedback on redeveloping the county fairgrounds, are beginning to be returned with responses. 

The  postcard survey sponsored by Dennis Frandsen, asks the addressee if they attended the county fair, and what they feel is the best course to pursue for the city and the county as a whole— as future use of the fairgrounds.  

Return postage is paid.  

A majority of the few hundred cards returned so far, express the desire to retain the county fair in Rush City, according to information provided from the would-be land buyer, Dennis Frandsen.  

There’s no deadline to return the postcards, but results will be announced when a sufficient amount of time has been allowed for surveys to arrive. The relatively light 17 percent response so far, indicates no strong opinion either way, observed a Frandsen contact person, in updating the survey process.

A proposal to purchase the fairgrounds for $1 million,  was rejected earlier this summer by the Agricultural Society/County Fair Board.  

Frandsen then went before the Chisago County Board, which funds the Ag Society at an annual $30,000 approximately, and county commissioners only recommended Frandsen keep investigating the redevelopment potential and merits and feasibility of relocating the fair.

Through the postcard responses, Frandsen is seeking opinion at this time from citizens who would benefit most directly from the land being put on tax rolls and contributing revenue to Rush City, he said in an e mail.  Countywide populations may be surveyed later.

“My goal is to keep discussions open in the community regarding the merits of moving the county fairgrounds to a better location,” Frandsen stated.

He added his hope is that representatives from the Ag Society will be willing to fully research the purchase offer. 

He’d like to set up a  meeting with Sno Barons Snowmobile Club, which hosts Hay Days and owns hundreds of acres just west of Almelund now used for the annual motorsports event.  

“I would be willing to supply a neutral moderator to facilitate such a discussion,” Frandsen continued.  “Based on comments I have received I get the impression many people do not know (the site for Hay Days) has the utilities and infrastructure needed for our county fair, with the exception of the historical buildings and livestock facilities.”

When he presented the acquisition offer the Fair Board was in the midst of preparing for the July fair and he thinks once fair season is wrapped up  there may be more time and focus to give the proposal.  

He explained that this is something he has considered doing in Rush City for years, and it could take a little time to bring people on board.

Frandsen pushed back on social media comments that the goal for the Rush City site is to construct workforce, low income housing.  Quite the opposite, Frandsen said he wants to see a phased build-out on the grounds featuring custom built housing stock in the $400,000 range.  

The land use would contribute property tax revenue to Rush City and would be the “...kind of project that will bring a mix of successful families, career persons and self supporting retirees to the Rush City community.”

Frandsen concluded saying, “I have no hidden agenda, I simply want to do what is right for my hometown and I am grateful I have the means to do a few things I think are beneficial for the community.” 

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