NEVERSINK — Recently, the 146th Annual Little World’s Fair graced the fairgrounds once again, bringing food, fun and the enjoyment of a brand-new pavilion expansion courtesy of Town Maintenance employees Joe Bagley and Ernie Degastonguay and their team.

During the latest town board monthly meeting, Neversink Town Supervisor Chris Mathews read aloud a thank-you card from the Richardson family, who recently utilized the pavilion to hold a graduation party. In their letter, the family praised the town crew for preparing the space and for their accommodations that helped the celebration run smoothly.

“The crew went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed for the day,” the family wrote, calling the pavilion the “perfect spot” for an event and extending their gratitude to the town for its work in the community.

Agreeing, Mathews attributed the success to the work done by Bagley and Degastonguay, particularly as they juggled the pavilion project with the town highway department’s other responsibilities.

Along with working on the pavilion with their team, the pair also maintained the town’s parks and other facilities, including the fairgrounds themselves and the Route 42 area. Mathews also noted that they conducted daily water testing, worked on pool pumps and took care of other maintenance needs throughout the town.

Even with all of that on their plate, Mathews pointed out that they were able to sustain the pavilion project and finish the work in a professional and timely manner.

“I knew I could count on you guys, and you guys came through,” Mathews said, addressing and thanking the two men who were present at the meeting.

The recognition comes following several months of work on the pavilion expansion. During the town’s July meeting, Mathews updated the public on the construction, stating that it was moving along “really great,” with the roof work completed and siding installation underway.

The project has also included electrical work, fresh gravel around the building, exterior lighting upgrades and a new privacy fence around the chiller units under the pavilion. Work on the pavilion’s kitchen has also been ongoing.

The Democrat previously reported that the town was working toward finishing the expansion before the Aug. 14 start of the Little World’s Fair. Although Mathews previously warned that construction hurdles could make a precise completion date uncertain, he expressed confidence that the work would be finished well before the fair.

As of the latest meeting, Bagley confirmed that much of that work had been finished, though some additional work still needs to be done. This includes conduit that needs to be rerouted, as well as additional siding work on an interior wall.

Regardless, Mathews praised the men’s efforts as a “heroic attempt” that ultimately succeeded in getting the pavilion ready for use.

The improvements are expected to provide an upgraded venue for activities at the fairgrounds as well as general community events, with the 146th Little World’s Fair serving as one of the first opportunities for attendees to see the finished result.

“You guys are a great team, and I do appreciate it,” Mathews stated. “I appreciate your skill and your dedication.”