The Deschutes County Livestock Auction raised an extraordinary $54,000 on Saturday to support the possible future construction of a new livestock pavilion at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds. The proposed facility would stand as a permanent tribute to Lance Hill, the beloved Redmond High School FFA Advisor who passed away in December 2023.
For years, Hill envisioned a space that would better serve the youth of Deschutes County — a dedicated facility for livestock auctions and shows, educational events and community gatherings. He shared this dream often with friends, colleagues and local leaders, always searching for a path to make it happen. Thanks to the generosity and support of the community he served so passionately, that vision is one step closer to becoming a reality.
“Lance was born and raised in Redmond,” said Shawn Storey, a member of the grassroots committee leading the project. “He may have left to pursue his education and start his career, but he came home at the first opportunity — and from then on, he poured his heart into this community.”
Hill’s influence reached far beyond the classroom. As an educator, mentor, community leader and volunteer, he impacted thousands of lives through his work with FFA and countless local organizations. He served on several boards, was the voice of Panther football on Friday nights and was known for manning the grill at benefit events across the region. His legacy will be felt for generations.
When he passed last December, Candi Bothum, Oregon State 4-H Animal Science coordinator and long-time friend, shared a public tribute reflecting on his legacy and the pavilion he had long hoped to see built — a message that resonated deeply with the agricultural community across Central Oregon.
In response, a grassroots committee of family, friends and supporters came together to carry that dream forward. The $54,000 raised at the recent Livestock Auction marks a major first step toward turning the Lance Hill Pavilion into a reality. Ongoing fundraising efforts will continue in the coming months to help fully fund the project.
“This pavilion will not just carry Lance’s name,” said Bothum. “It will carry his spirit — the countless hours he devoted to his students, his community and to making sure every kid has the chance to succeed.”
The Lance Hill Pavilion Committee is currently working to establish a formal partnership with the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, coordinating on early design ideas and initiating the process for formal review and approval. The project remains in the early planning stages and any construction or development would be subject to authorization by the Deschutes County Fair Board, Deschutes County Board of Commissioners and other appropriate county entities.
Updates on the project — including opportunities to contribute or participate — will be shared with the public as planning continues.
