Fair board holds October meeting

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, October 7, 2025, for their October monthly board meeting. 16 Directors and 2 guests were present.

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

Correspondence was read from Norma Umberger, RMA, Linda Golden and B-Sealed. A letter of director resignation was read from Zach Rambo (Director at Large). Andrew Scharf and Grant Mizek moved to accept the letter, motion carried unanimously.

The next Development work session is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15th at 7pm in the Fair Office.

Rob Wilson, Ground’s committee chairman, gave the Ground’s Committee report. Winter Storage has begun with prices staying the same as last year. Vehicles are $30 per month. Boats, trailers, campers, etc. are $15 per linear foot. First come first serve – no reserving. Annual inventory time has begun with directors receiving areas of the fair to do inventory.

Charlie McCullough, Camping Chairman, stated there were 5 campers that didn’t bring their camper to the fair this year and have to bring it next year, or they will lose their spot. He also discussed the old part of the east camping area’s electric needs upgraded with it going to be done in phases.

Judi discussed the grandstand and all entertainment financial reports from the fair. Directors agreed to have another concert. Discussion was held about the Demo Derby, the fair’s biggest money maker. There will be an entertainment committee meeting to discuss these topics further.

The Annual Sale Committee Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 22nd at 7pm. Judi encouraged all directors to look at the JR Fair and Open Class show reports to see how their departments did financially. It was noted the livestock sale grossed $701,384. And the sale was about split on live ring sales vs. add on’s. Livestock exhibitor checks can now be picked up in the Secretary’s office during business hours (9-4pm Wednesday and Friday’s) or on Saturday, Nov. 1st from 3-6pm. Checks need to be cashed by the end of November and anyone can pick up the checks, as they have to be signed for. There are currently 14 buyers from the sale, totalling $35,698 to pay.

The Ag. Society received a rate agreement with the Inn at ONU, which ends Dec. 31st, 2025. We are hopeful this relationship can continue to the 2026 fair.

It was noted the Advertising/Sponsorship committee needs to meet this month to work on their budget for 2026.

The Tech committee is upgrading the PA in the buildings for emergencies. They are also working on an anti terrorism grant and continue to work on the digital sign at the entrance of the fair.

Under old business:

Petitions for the November Fair Board Director Election are due by Friday, Oct. 24th at 4pm. Up for election this year are 2 directors at large positions for a 3 year term, 1 director at large position for a 2 year term, Pleasant Twp., Liberty Twp., Jackson Twp., Hale Twp., Buck Twp., for 3 year terms. Petitions need to be picked up by Friday, Oct. 17th, one week before the petition needs to be turned back in. $2 membership tickets can be purchased after a season ticket is purchased until Wednesday, Oct. 15th and that will give you availability to vote for directors.

JR Fair & Open class premium money can still be picked up in cash in the Secretary’s office on Wednesday and Fridays 9-4pm until Friday, November 21st. Another date to pick up money is Saturday, Nov. 1st from 3-6pm, during the Fair Board annual election.

Under new business:

Judi gave a report on October and November rentals at the fairgrounds. Attendance reports for the fair were discussed, with attendance being up this year. Judges and clerks for the fair’s annual election were secured. Dates for the 2026 fair have been secured as Sept. 8-13th. The society has applied for the 2026 Ohio Fair Fund Money. Jack McBride was selected as the Fair’s delegate for the 2026 Annual Fair Convention. Rob Wilson and Christa Rarey nominated Steve Harpster as the Fair’s outstanding fair supporter. The motion passed unanimously. He will be recognized at the 2026 Annual Fair Convention. It was noted the Fall District meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23rd at 7pm, at the Auglaize county fairgrounds. The annual fairboard director election is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1st from 3-7pm in the Fair office. The Fairboard’s reorganizational and annual meeting will follow at 7:30pm in the Arts/Craft Building. Jake discussed a box seat issue dealing with a family.

The next monthly fair board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5th at 7pm in the fair office.