Fair board holds March meeting

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, March 5, 2025, for their March monthly board meeting. 17 Directors and 7 guests were present.

Jake McFadden, Board  President, called the meeting to order.

Correspondence was received from the Freedom Celebration Committee requesting funds for the fireworks display on July 4th, Hardin County Goat Boosters inviting everyone to their Goat Banquet at the Moose on April 5th and a proposal for insect control.

Minutes from the last meeting were approved by Jack McBride and Tyler Overly with making an addendum to read the Development Committee Meetings are work sessions every 3rd Wednesday of the month.  Motion passed unanimously. 

Amanda Raines, JR Fair Board Advisor, gave an update on the process for joining the JR Fair Board.  There were 28 applicants received and group interviews will be held on March 23rd.

The Fair board received an email from Kolt Buchenroth requesting to resend his letter of resignation.  Directors agreed to give permission to the reverse raffle committee to research having their own Booster Club with their own 501c3.  The directors requested to also see the by-laws of the club when they are made. 

It was noted the next work session for the Development Committee is set for Wednesday, March 19th at 7pm in the fair office.

Rob Wilson, Ground’s Chairman, stated a water line has been fixed inside the Grange Restaurant.  Judi Cronley submitted the grant for the Hardin County Community Foundation.  Fairboard Directors agreed to try and sell the Ag. Society’s truck at the Consignment Sale. 

It was noted Judi Cronley called 22 fair campers who hadn’t paid by the deadline.  Only 1 person didn’t respond.  A total of 8 spots were forfeited this year.  Those spots have been filled with new campers.  Judi will wait to call people for the proposed 28 new camping spots when they have been built. 

It was noted there are a few entertainment contracts that still need to be signed.  A person to speak for Hour of Inspiration during the fair was discussed. 

The Horse Committee still needs to meet with minutes turned in.   Final edits for the livestock sections of the fairbook have been sent to chairpeople.

It was noted Concession/Vendor applications will be sent out soon and go live on the fair’s website.  

Rob Wilson, Reverse Raffle Chairmen, gave a report on this year’s raffle with profit being $72,000.  The Fair Foundation report was read.  Donations for the Fair Fund for 2024 were $8,345, earnings for the year was almost $30,000 with a total balance being close to $206,000. 

Under old business:

Final edits are being done on the 2025 fair premium book, with it going to print at the end of the month.  Everyone was reminded of the Annual Consignment Sale for this Saturday, March 8th at 9am.  Items to be consigned can be brought to the fairgrounds on either Thursday, March 6th or Friday, March 7th between the hours of 8am-6:30pm.  Signs about the new $5 item consignor fee will be posted at entries to the grounds. Judges for the fair are needed with contracts going out soon.

Under new business:

Judi gave an update on rentals for March and April.  Directors agreed to allow Jami Delifield from OSU Extension to use the Community Building for a family event on Sunday, April 27th.  This would be in conjunction with an event Dylan Searson is doing that day, too.  Jack McBride and Charlie McCullough moved to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel.  Motion passed unanimously.  Session began at 7:58pm.  Regular board meeting reconvened at 8:18pm.  The next monthly fair board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2nd at 7pm in the Fair Office.