Fair board holds January meeting

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, January 7, 2026, for their January monthly board meeting. 18 Directors and 5 guests were present.

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

Correspondence was read from the Weaver’s, Kenton City Schools and Durant Amusements. The letter from Durant Amusements stated they now have a new name: Woods Midway Entertainment.

The December Board minutes were approved.

Judi Cronley, board secretary/treasurer presented the Hardin County Ag. Society’s 2025 Annual Report. Directors approved the 2025 Fair’s Annual Report and financial report.

Kirk Cameron, who was elected as a director at large, was sworn in by Judi Cronley, notarizor.

Amanda Raines, JR Fair Advisor stated there will be some JR Fair Board members attending the OFMA Convention this month. She also stated they will be interviewing 55 kids who applied to be on the JR. Fair Board.

Jake McFadden discussed what the development committee has worked on since the last board meeting. A smaller building to at least house poultry has been designed. It will be 12,000 sq. ft. with no sprinkler system requirements and no heating or AC.

It was noted a strategic planning meeting needs to be set, especially since the plan hasn’t been updated in a year or so.

Rob Wilson, Ground’s committee chairman, requested ideas for applying for the Hardin County Community Foundation Grant. Directors agreed to apply for more Universal white folding chairs for the community building in the amount of $2500. The New Leaf Landscape proposal for 2026 was approved.

Charlie McCullough, Camping Chairman, stated the current camping renters will be receiving their email to pay for their current sites soon.

It was noted entertainment contracts that still need to be signed are: Art Me, Laser Tag, Studimo, and the derby.

The Dairy Beef Feeder committee minutes were approved. Minutes are still needed from the Dairy Committee.

Jake McFadden, advertising/sponsorship committee chairman, stated there will be some advertising for renting the community building on social media and WKTN. Sponsorship renewals and possible new sponsor emails will be sent in February.

Rob Wilson discussed the Fair Reverse Raffle. All attendees have paid and items for the silent auction, gift baskets and the live auction have begun to be picked up. Donations continue to be accepted.

Under old business:

Judi reminded everyone to turn in their fair book edits for the 2026 book, if not done so. Judi will be starting the updating process for the Fair Book soon.

Under new Business:

Judi gave an update on fair grounds rentals for January and February. The golf cart contract from Mid Ohio Golf Cars for the next 2 years was approved. Directors accepted a contract with the Inn in Ada for 2026. It was noted the annual fair consignment sale is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 9am. Items can be dropped off to consign on either Thursday, March 12th or Friday, March 13th from 8am – 6:30pm. The next monthly fair board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 at 7pm in the fair office.