Fair board holds May meeting

 The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, May 7, 2025, for their May monthly board meeting. 12 Directors and 5 guests were present. 

Jack McBride, Board Vice President, called the meeting to order at 7:06pm, once a quorum was met. 

Jami Dellifield thanked the directors for allowing her to have her family engagement day at the Fairgrounds last weekend. She said there were around 300 in attendance. Jami also said there was $7500 invested into the event. 

Nic Baumer stated the Master Gardener Plant Sale will be May 17th at the Friendship Garden in Kenton. 

The letter from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine was given to all directors. The letter stated they tested 24 hogs during the 2024 Hardin County Fair for their research project to monitor influenza A viruses. The testings from the 24 hogs at the Hardin County Fair showed 0% for influenza A Virus. 

It was noted the next JR Fair Board Meeting will be Sunday, May 18th from 6-8pm in the Community Building. All directors were reminded to invite their committee members to meet with the JR Fair Board on Wednesday, June 4th at 6pm in the Community Building. 

It was noted the next Development work session is scheduled for Wednesday, May 21st at 7pm in the Fair Office. Jack spoke about building A’s layout and size – which the committee has suggested to be redone to be more useful for everyone. 

Rob Wilson, Ground’s chairman, stated the machinery building changeover continues, there have been sheep restroom fixes to plumbing and the roof on the round house needs to be redone. Redoing the gazebo is now being researched, since it’s in really bad shape. 

Judi Cronley was given the approval to start calling those on the fair camp waiting list for the 28 new campsites. 

It has been announced that Diamond Rio with opener Confederate Railroad will be the 2025 Hardin County Fair Saturday night entertainment. Tickets are available for purchase by going to the fair’s website at www.hardincountyfair.org. Ticket booth worker and pit worker contract have been sent and all but one has been returned signed. High School Band contracts have been sent and all but Riverdale’s band has been returned signed. The speaker for the Hour of Inspiration has been secured. 

Meghan Yoakum, chairwoman for the Poultry Committee, stated there were around 60 kids who attended the 2 hour poultry clinic. Another clinic is being planned for the summer. Jack McBride stated the veterinary contract has been given to Diamond M Vet Clinic to sign. The Dairy Beef Feeder Weigh in and tagging is scheduled for Saturday, May 17th from 8-10:30am. The sheep weigh in is scheduled for Saturday, June 14th from 8-9:30am and the goat weigh in is scheduled for that same day from 10-11am. 

Concession/Vendor applications, along with fair sponsorships, are still being accepted by going to the fair’s website and filling them out there. 

Nathan Weaver gave an update on the Fair Foundation, with minutes given to all directors. 

Under old business: 

The 2025 Fair Premium Book was approved and will now go to print. It was noted fair judges are still needed for Dairy, Beef and antiques. The generator for the Community Building is still waiting on parts to be fixed. Judge contracts with fair schedules will be sent soon. Box Seat payments have been received. 

Under new business: 

Contracts for the 2025 Hardin County Fair were approved for RestRoom Workers, radios and gate workers. It was noted the 2023/24 audit will take place this month. A pastor for the fair opening ceremony has been secured. Contracts for nightly grounds sweeping, fire coverage, mounted posse, portable toilets and trash removal have been sent with signed signatures being requested. The next monthly fair board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th at 7pm in the Community Building.