Office Hours
Wednesday & Friday: 9AM - 4PM
Phone
419-675-2396
The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, February 4, 2026, for their February monthly board meeting. 18 Directors and 12 guests were present.
Jake McFadden, Board President, called the meeting to order.
Paul Osborne, stated he’s running for Hardin County Commissioner. Adam Billenstine spoke about the JR Fair Livestock Champion Banners – deadline to order those is May 1st. Joe Sherman, Hardin County Commissioner announced the Court House will start a security system on Monday, February 9th with all doors being locked. You will go through a security checkpoint (metal detector door) at the basement door. Tom and Annetta Shirk, representing the Draft Horse Committee requested to have another draft horse show during the fair – they were granted to go ahead with that.
Correspondence was read from the Hardin County Community Foundation – representing the Fair Foundation, Kenton Little League asking for sponsorships, and the Goat Boosters – announcing their Banquet on April 11th at the Kenton Missionary Alliance Church.
Judi noted the 2025 Hardin County Ag. Society Annual Report has been submitted to the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture and is on the fair’s website for review, she submitted the Hinkle report for the State Auditor, sent 1099’s and W-2’s in January.
Amanda Raines, JR Fair Advisor stated they interviewed 65 kids for JR Fair Board and selected 47 and she said they are working with Scioto Sign on a livestock champion board for the week of the fair. They are requesting to have joint meetings with the SR Fair Board in June and July from 6-7pm. This is a way for the committees to get to know each other. Award/Sponsorship letters will be going out on line soon. They will be using a new Award Company out of Lima this year for trophies. A new place to have their t-shirts done this year is also being looked into.
Jake McFadden discussed what the development committee has worked on since the last board meeting. The first new building will be 72×160 and the plan is to build around 7 buildings in the current site of the livestock complex. The development’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 18th, but may be sooner.
Contracts for current employees have been finalized and are now in their files.
Jake will be sending out homework for updating the fair’s strategic plan.
Charlie McCullough, Camping Chairman, stated current camping renters received last year’s letter for payment accidentally and a new link/letter will be going out soon.
The only entertainment contract that needs to be signed is Studimo. Deposits have been paid to Barnyard Olympics and the Children’s Artists. A new contract is being signed in place of K-9’s in flight. The committee is now looking for 2027 entertainment. Jami Dellifield stated the Cheer Competition information will be sent soon.
Judi is now in the process of having the weigher applications for the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture signed.
Jake and Kirk Cameron, Concession’s Chairman stated concession prices for this year’s fair will have to increase due to the fairground’s electric costs being doubled. Those applications will be ready soon.
Jake McFadden, advertising/sponsorship committee chairman, stated sponsorship applications will be ready soon.
The Annual Consignment Sale is scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, 2026 9am. Items can be dropped off to consign on either Thursday, March 12th or Friday, March 13th from 8am – 6:30pm.
Rob Wilson discussed the Fair Reverse Raffle. Rob asked for help to set up for the raffle on Wednesday, Feb. 11th at 6pm. Desserts are to be dropped off at the Community Building between 10am and 12pm on the Saturday of the Raffle. Volunteers for the night will eat at 5pm. Doors open at 6pm on the night of the raffle.
Under Old Business:
The only section Judi is missing to update the new fair book is Hay/Grains. Judi will be starting the updating process for the Fair Book soon.
Under New Business:
Judi gave an update on fair grounds rentals for February and March. The District 1 & 2 Spring meeting is scheduled at the Henry County Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 28th. Reservations are due by March 20th. Judi is requesting Fair Judges names be turned in as soon as they are secured. Amanda Raines spoke about the judges for the 4-H still project judging. She stated they currently each receive $50, but many donate the money back. Directors agreed to give each judge a season pass instead of the money. A Royalty committee, with directors being chairmen, was made. Christa Rarey and Abby McElfresh will be directors in charge and on the committee will be Jami Dellifield, Jolene Buchenroth and Kelly Little. Jake is working on a different group to handle the gates during the fair. Directors agreed to approve UNOH to run the gates, but if that falls through, GU Event Staffing will be used. It would be a huge cost saving if UNOH works out, they currently run the Allen County Fair Gates during their fair. The next monthly fair board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 at 7pm in the fair office.