Pana is preparing for the annual Tri-County Fair and Labor Day Parade.  The fair runs from today (August 27) through Monday, September 1, with the parade happening Monday morning.  The size and scope of these events make them notable across the state, and local officials seek a local economic boost from attracting visitors.  It’s all set to take place in a downtown area which is the site of multiple improvement projects relating to buildings and roads. 

Kirby Casner is the Economic Development Director for the city of Pana.  She says the Tri-County Fair will have new races and other events this year.

At the tail end of the fair dates is the Labor Day Parade.  It’s said to be the largest such downstate parade.

Away from the festivities, Casner is keeping a close eye on construction projects in Pana.  One effort involves the former Bohannon’s building on South Locust Street, where contractors are looking to restore parts of the building while otherwise maintaining its historical feel. 

In addition, city leaders are celebrating the finish of newly paved roads leading up to Pana Community Hospital.  Casner says this will make the journey to the hospital – especially by ambulance – smoother in more ways than one. 

More information on Pana’s economic development work is on the city’s website, www.cityofpana.org. 

Kirby Casner appeared as a guest on the WTIM Pana Morning Show.