Fair Board holds March meeting

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, March 6^th, 2024, for their March monthly board meeting. Nineteen directors and sixteen guests were present.

Brad Murphy, Board President, called the meeting to order.

Brad introduced the guests.  Kara Brown and Craig Ludwig from Hardin County Board of Developmental Disabilities were present to state they had received a grant to purchase 2 trailers.  One trailer will be used as an adult changing room and the other trailer will be used as a sensory friendly unit. 

Paul Ralston representing the Hardin County Fair Foundation gave their 2023 financial report.  Deposits for 2023 were in the amount of $7,633 and with interest earned the total is $168,734.  Paul also stated the poultry dept. is in need of new poultry show tables. 

Roger Crowe, Hardin County Commissioner, stated they have had a meeting with Senator McCauley about the Senate side of the Surplus Community Investment Fund.  Their requests for how they would like to see his share of the money go was made known.  They requested the senator match Rep. Jon Cross’s pledge of $500,000 for the Fairground Building project. 

The Fair Reverse Raffle Committee, consisting of Rob & Lori Wilson, Jolene Buchenroth, Shannon Allmon, Samantha McCullough and Christa Rarey, presented a check in the amount of $65,000 to the Fair Board. 

Amanda Raines, 4-H Educator from OSU Extension, stated their office is adding a full time office assistant. 

Dylan Searson, a member of the Kenton FFA, requested to use the Beef Barn on the Fairgrounds for a Community Ag. Day for people with disabilities.  Charlie McCullough and Rob Wilson moved to allow Dylan to hold this event on Saturday, May 11th, 2024.  Motion passed unanimously. 

A thank you from the Fair Reverse Raffle committee was read.  A letter was read from the 2024 Freedom Celebration Committee requesting money.  Roger Crowe, representing his wife Julie Crowe, thanked the directors for allowing the Hardin County Players to use the Fair’s platforms for their play. 

Jake McFadden, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the executive committee meeting minutes.  Projects for the Dept. of Development Grant for $150,000 was discussed.  Jack McBride and Zach Rambo moved to open a money market account and an interest bearing checking account at Quest Federal Credit Union for the fundraising of the new buildings.  Motion passed unanimously.  Directors agreed to allow Ohio Health to use the Arts/Crafts Building on the day of the Solar eclipse for their triage center. 

Brad Murphy, Board President, gave an update on the Development project for the new buildings.  Site preparations should begin after the 2024 fair. 

Directors agreed to have a contract written up for Pete Fout to do some ground maintenance work in place of paying to stay on grounds.  This work will not exceed 2 months and there will be a waiver of liability written into the contract. 

It was noted Fair Camping payments were due Friday, February 16^th.  There is currently one current fair camper who hasn’t paid and no contact has been able to be made with the camper.  The camping committee will be making a decision on what to do with this site.  20 campers were called that hadn’t paid by the due date and contact was received by them.  There are currently 10 vacant sites for this year’s fair and new campers will be called within the next couple of weeks.  There are currently 6 paid reservations for camping during the solar eclipse and 5 more are sending their money to reserve a spot. 

The fair contract with the Hardin County Tractor Pullers Association, for the fair,  has been signed.  A contract for the face painter in the children’s tent is needed.  An announcement will be made on April 22nd on who the Saturday entertainers will be.  Saturday night entertainment prices were set at $25 for general admission and $30 for inside the fence/on the track.  All of the other show admission prices were set the same as last year. 

It was noted a fair veterinarian contract is being written up.   Judi stated all JR Fair Livestock Sale money has finally been received.  Committee reports for the poultry, sheep, horse, goat, and rabbits were approved by the directors. 

Brad Murphy, Rides/Concession’s Chairman, stated our ride company – Durant stated they are having a hard time getting workers.

Sherri Beale, JR Fair Board Director, stated their next meeting will be Sunday, March 24^th from 6-8pm in the Community Building.  Sherri stated they still have some spots available for High School students on their board. 

Jake McFadden, Advertising/Sponsorship Chairman, stated the sponsorship campaign continues.  Award Sponsorship invoices have been mailed.

The gate workers contract was approved by the directors.

Under old business:

The fair book continues to be updated.  It was noted the Annual Consignment Sale is scheduled for Saturday, March 9^th at 9am, items to be consigned can be dropped off at the fair grounds on Wednesday, March 6^th from 4-6:30pm, Thursday, March 7^th and Friday, March 8^th from 8am-6:30pm.  Further information about the Consignment Sale can be found on the fair’s website at www.hardincountyfair.org.

Under new business:

The signup sheet for working the Consignment Sale was available for directors to sign.  The next monthly fair board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3rd at 7pm in the Community Bldg.