It's the end of one era, but the beginning of another, and a new beginning comes with a five million dollar price tag.

The Jackson County fair has been a part of the Black River Falls community for more than 100 years, but a big part of that history is being torn down.

Ron Danielson is not only the mayor of black river falls but also the chairman of the Jackson County Fair Park Association, he says he's looking forward to a new boost in the area economy.

The fairground buildings are being taken apart board by board.

And today, it was the grandstands turn.

The new fairground includes plans for 6 new buildings on the 11 acre site including a new grandstand, a new ice arena, and several animal barns.

But not everyone is on board.

Area resident Art Rutherford says, “I really don't understand why they're tearing it down, it seems to be in pretty good shape, just this last year it looked good.”

But Danielson says many of the buildings foundations are falling apart, there's dry rot in the wood and various other problems.

He says, “It was a matter of we had to do something and it would cost just as much to renovate the buildings we found out, than to build new ones.”

Danielson said inspectors took one look at the grandstand and other buildings and said it was a no brainer that the buildings would have to be rebuilt rather than renovated.

He says, “The major contributors didn't want to put money in the old buildings because then ten years down the road you would have to put more money in.”

The mayor says the new buildings should last for another 75 to 100 years and bring in new events.

He says the state jersey cattle group and the state tractor pull are interested already, which will help boost area businesses, like hotels and restaurants.

The new buildings are set to be built by June 15th of next year, just in time for the Jackson County fair to celebrate its 150th anniversary.