Fair board holds July meeting

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, July 10 2024, for their July monthly board meeting. Sixteen directors and ten guests were present.

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

Brad introduced the guests. Kim Thomas, representing the OSU Master Gardeners program, asked if their group could have an informational table during the fair in the Arts/Crafts Building. Directors gave her the OK. Diane Gottschalk, Director for the Ohio Good Sam’s RV group, thanked the directors for allowing their group to camp on grounds and look forward to coming back next year.

A thank you note was read from Michael Ellerbrock and Kenton Top 20.

Sherri Beale, JR Fair Board Advisor, stated their members wrote thank you’s to the ribbon & trophy sponsors. They are also doing a stuff the bus program for the community during the fair this year. Discussion was held on how to get exhibitors to write thank you’s. Sunday, July 28th is their next regular meeting.

The executive committee discussed the Department of Development grant and what priorities need to be addressed with that grant. $106,831.54 was received with that grant. Directors decided to use $8,766 from the Consignment Sale income, plus $13,210 from the grant for a new gator. $50,000 from the grant is going to be used for new doors and hardware for several buildings. Under OFMA convention matter – directors agreed to purchase 3 tables at $300 each for the convention on Friday night.

Brad noted that the executive and Development committees will be meeting on July 15th to discuss drawing up a. rough draft of phases for the new building project.

Rob Wilson, Ground’s Chairman stated all of the projects that are going to be completed before the start of the fair. Those projects are the grandstand concrete steps, handicap paving in the East and West parking lots, the door project, suppression system in the restaurants, fixing a water leak and finishing the movement of the buildings. Work days are scheduled for July 13, July 27th and August 17th.

It was noted the Ohio Good Sam RV group is currently camping on the grounds and they plan to come back next year.

Brad stated the vet contract has been sent to Earnie Kearns. Rabbit tattooing is scheduled for Saturday, August 3rd from 9-11am. Livestock judges are still needed for Dairy and Dairy Beef Feeders. Directors agreed to not opt out of the 3 optional rules for livestock exhibition. Steve Harpster, Sheep Committee Chairman stated there were 89 sheep weighed in and tagged.

Christa Rarey and Brad Murphy stated there are still available spaces for indoor and outdoor spots during the fair. Applications can still be submitted online.

Jake McFadden, Advertising/Sponsorship Chairman, stated the sponsorship campaign continues. He noted the fiber for WI-FI is being hung along with the wiring for the ground sound. There are still hard copies of the fair premium books that have the open class information, available in the Secretary’s Office.

Under old business:

Jack McBride reminded everyone that JR Fair Entries need to be made by Wednesday, July 31st and that showmanship needs to be marked on their entries. Open Class entries can be made starting August 1st through Friday, August 23rd.

Under new business:

Judi gave an update on rentals for July and August. It was noted the prince and princess contest has started. There are 4 boys and 8 girls selling 50/50 tickets to be the next prince or princess. This contest goes until Friday, August 2nd. The Emergency Management Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 14th at 6pm in the Grange Restaurant. Judi noted it is mandatory for all directors to attend. After the meeting the Arts/Crafts building will be set up for the fair. Judi Cronley was given approval to purchase something for recently passed directors that left the board on good terms for funerals. Jake discussed an order form for fair board apparel and requested orders be placed by July 17th. Jack wanted to make sure everyone read the email that was sent last week by Judi about new livestock rules that have recently gone into effect. Most of the directors agreed to allow alcohol to be sold at the Saturday night concert in the grandstand. A temporary amendment to the lease with the commissioners will be drawn up. Extra liability insurance will be purchased along with getting a license to sell the alcohol. There will be trained people selling the alcohol.

The next monthly fair board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 7th at 7pm in the Community Bldg.