Officials in the Xenia, Ohio, area today sounded thrilled at the prospect of hosting an event on the caliber of Hamvention®. Starting in 2017, Hamvention will take place at the Greene County Fairgrounds & Event Center on the same May weekend. The new venue, a 32-acre multipurpose complex, located some 16 miles east of Dayton center and north of Xenia near US Route 35 (see map, attached), is designed for fairs, concerts, meetings, convention/trade shows, sporting, and livestock events.

“The Greene County Agricultural Society is absolutely committed to providing a world-class experience for the Dayton Hamvention® and its attendees, exhibitors, volunteers and staff,” Greene County Agricultural Society Board of Directors President Dan Bullen, said in a statement. “We are so appreciative of the opportunity to host the event and the faith placed in us by the Hamvention leadership. This will be an enormous event for the Fairgrounds & Event Center, and we are confident the Hamvention will be a great success in 2017 and beyond due to the way the community has wholeheartedly embraced this event.”

The Greene County Fairgrounds and Event Center is relatively new. A tornado in 2000 destroyed 17 buildings and leveled all large trees on the property. The facility was rebuilt the following year, although with the focus remaining on the annual agricultural fair. The indoor space for vendors and forums appears to be smaller than what had been available at Hara Arena, so there could be some adjustment pains. The venue features a 70 × 170 “Assembly Hall,” a 65 × 60 “Dining Hall,” and three “livestock” buildings with concrete floors but no air conditioning. Each is approximately 150 × 160 (see layout, attached). Just how the buildings at the new venue will be used for Hamvention or where the outdoor flea market will sit have not been announced.

Xenia City Manager Brent Merriman said he’s anticipating a mutually beneficial relationship with Hamvention. “The City of Xenia is looking forward to the 2017 Dayton Hamvention® being held within the greater Xenia community,” he said. “We will be working closely with all the planning partners as well as with business owners and residents to warmly receive the convention and conventioneers to our city.” Hamvention’s annual economic impact has been estimated at between $15 and $17 million.

Whether the event will become known as “Xenia Hamvention” remains to be seen. In any case, Hamvention 2017 will be held May 19-21, sponsored by the Dayton Amateur Radio Association (DARA).