1st Source Foundation commits $50,000 to Porter County community with permanent pavilion project

This story is part of a series on 1st Source Foundation. Learn more about the impact it has on local communities here.

The Porter County Fairgrounds pavilion hosts thousands of guests every year during the Porter County Fair. From concerts and performances to community programs, the pavilion serves as a gathering place and activity hub for the community during the weeks of the fair, but it has always been a temporary structure.

Holly King, secretary for the Porter County Agricultural Society, recognized the growing need in Porter County for a more permanent structure that could continue providing entertainment and agricultural education when the fair wasn’t active.

“We wanted something for the community,” she said. “Porter County is an area with a lot of activity and entertainment – family-friendly acts, the 4-H Auction, Senior Day, Veterans Day. We wanted a community space that, during the fair, people could enjoy with their family and year-round could be used for outdoor events.”

When the 2024 Porter County Fair ended, King and the rest of the Porter County Agricultural Society began researching what would be required to create a permanent structure that could be used as a venue for outdoor events. Once the team knew what they were looking for, they began planning how to fund the pavilion’s construction. They found an answer with the 1st Source Foundation, which awarded a $50,000 grant – matched by the Agricultural Society – to support the pavilion’s construction.

1st Source Bank and 1st Source Foundation have supported the Agricultural Society over the years to offer the community the Birthing Barn and the 4-H Auction during the Porter County Fair.

“The 1st Source Foundation is deeply committed to strengthening our local communities,” said Matt Vessely, West Region President at 1st Source Bank. “We are proud to support the Porter County Fair in creating a gathering place that brings people together and celebrates the importance of agriculture in our region.”

The almost 4,000-square-foot pavilion, named “The Pavilion: Your 1st Source for Entertainment” was completed in time for the 2025 Porter County Fair and opened to the public during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 15.

King and the Porter County Agricultural Society are thrilled to continue partnering with 1st Source Foundation and 1st Source Bank to bring fun and educational programming to Porter County every year.

“They help the community so much, just like the Porter County Fair,” King said. “We’re here to teach agriculture. We’re here to provide education. We’re here to support the kids. To have 1st Source as a partner to help make those things happen in our community is just priceless.”

In addition to supporting the pavilion project, 1st Source Bank also sponsored the fleet of fair shuttles, ensuring the fair is easily accessible for people of all abilities.

The Pavilion is looking to become a new staple of the Porter County entertainment, agricultural, and education landscapes following its first successful fair season.

“This pavilion is more than just a stage—it’s a symbol of our dedication to community, tradition, and agricultural education,” King said. “We’re grateful to 1st Source Foundation for believing in our vision and helping us bring it to life.”

1st Source Foundation helps fund local projects making a significant impact on their community. For more information visit 1st Source Foundation’s page.