Forest River, Inc. and the Peter J. Liegl Family Foundation have made equal financial contributions to support the development of a new expo center at the Elkhart 4-H County Fairgrounds.
The complex will be named the Forest River, Inc. and Peter J. Liegl Ag and Community Expo. The 47,500-square-foot multi-purpose facility aims to bring together agriculture, community and the RV industry in a way that reflects the region’s roots as the RV capital of the world.
Forest River Purchasing Manager and chair of the Elkhart County 4-H Fair’s capital campaign Mark Kritzman said the new facility is the result of years of planning and a growing need for space.
“For years, Forest River has been a part of the fairgrounds, from supporting the 4-H program through board involvement and purchasing livestock, along with other events that bring people together,” Kritzman said. “This facility is a way to continue that involvement while honoring something Pete believed in which was supporting the community and creating opportunities for people to come together.”
Forest River said the partnership also provides the RV manufacturer with designated use of the space for company and industry events.
“Forest River and the Liegl family have long been part of the fabric of Elkhart County,” Kritzman said. “Recognizing their name on this facility reflects a shared commitment to supporting young people, honoring our agricultural heritage and investing in the strength of our community.”
Elkhart County 4-H Fair General Manager Shelly Steury said the decision to associate the facility with Forest River and its founder, Pete Liegl, reflects a longstanding connection and presence at the fairgrounds.
“Forest River has been part of this community for so long; it’s a staple here. There are not many people who haven’t heard the name Forest River, and their reputation speaks for itself,” Steury said. “The addition of the Ag and Community Expo will continue expanding space for 4-H programming and year-round events while positioning the Fairgrounds to better serve local families and organizations and attract additional regional events, including trade shows and RV rallies.”
Forest River, Inc. President and CEO Doug Gaeddert said that connection extends beyond business, from long-standing RV rallies to large events like Forest River’s employee trick-or-treat event.
“Forest River obviously has a large presence in Elkhart and Goshen, but we also have key operations in other local communities including Millersburg, Middlebury, Topeka, White Pigeon, Colon, Bristol, LaGrange, Orland, Butler, Ligonier, and Wakarusa,” Gaeddert said. “The Elkhart County fairgrounds and the 4-H Fair have long been a gathering place for folks from these communities and our annual employee Spooktacular event that Pete started years ago draws participation from virtually every Forest River division in the area.”
Groundbreaking on the new facility and other fairground renovations is scheduled for Sept. 11 with completion anticipated by summer 2027 ahead of the Elkhart County 4-H Fair.
“We’re extremely fortunate to be a part of all these communities,” Gaeddert said, “and proud to financially participate in showing our commitment to where our roots as a company were first planted.”
