Fair board holds March meeting

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, March 4, 2026, for their March monthly board meeting.

15 Directors and 8 guests were present.

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

The new District 2 Director, Kevin Schmiedebusch, introduced himself to the board. Michelle Laubis and Bob Carder were present to announce they are running for County Commissioner. Jeff Ross, from the Kenton Moose, asked about having their 10th Annual Car Show at the Fairgrounds next year. They are having their Moose Nascar and food trucks, in addition to the car show. Joe Sherman, County Commissioner, congratulated the Board on having a wonderful Reverse Raffle. Jolene Buchenroth and Kelly Little was present to talk about the Royalty Committee. They stated the growth for the program has grown by 30%. They stated the Royalty Committee Fund pays for the queen’s application and 1 night of lodging for the queen at the convention. The Senior Fair Board is to pay for the queen’s other night of lodging. They requested to have a Royalty Facebook page and were granted that request.

Correspondence was read from the Freedom Celebration Committee requesting a contribution for the 2026 festivities.

Jake McFadden discussed the development committee’s minutes from 2/18/26. the Ag. Society agreed to proceed with the building sizes of 80’x150′, apply for state funding for the next budget cycle and to start collecting bids for the project. These first 2 buildings will house the poultry and rabbits.

The Ag. Society approved the executive committee minutes from 2/18/26. The board agreed to allow Judi Cronley, Treasurer to attend the 2026 Local Government Officials Conference on March 19th and 20th.

The Ag. Society agreed to purchase tires from Rogers Tire Service at a price of $3,525.00 These tires are the T Rex. It was also noted Judi has turned in the Hardin Community Foundation Grant.

Charlie McCullough, Camping Chairman, stated as soon as the weather improves he wants to start working on updating the electrical service in the fair campground. Judi noted she is waiting on around 50 current campers to pay their camping fees. They are due by March 11, 2026. She has received word from 5 campers that they are not coming back to camp. It was noted campers will only be allowed to bring their camper 1 day early (Thursday before the fair) and will need to pay an extra $25 to do that.

The only entertainment contract that needs to be signed is Studimo. Deposit has been paid to Trapper Tunes DJ Service. A contract for the woodcarver will be coming soon.

Livestock Weigh Applications were mailed in. Judi is waiting on livestock chairmen to look over their sections of the fair book that have been sent to them.

Applications for vendors & concessions are now available on the fair’s website.

Sponsorship applications will be ready soon.

Rob Wilson gave a report on the Fair’s Reverse Raffle. They raised $57,000 and have a 3 year total of $210,000.

Thank you’s have been sent to donors.

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.

Under Old Business:

Final edits are now being made to the 2026 fair book. Jake McFadden is working on the contract with UNOH to man the gates of the 2026 fair. A last request for directors wanting to attend the District 2 meeting on March 28th was given. Judi continues to request judges for the 2026 fair.

Under New Business:

Judi gave an update on fairgrounds rentals for March and April. The Ag. Society formally formed the Royalty Committee with Christa Rarey and Abby McElfresh as Chairwomen of the committee. Other members of the committee will be Jolene Buchenroth, Kelly Little and Jami Dellifield. The Ag. Society agreed to use rental radios from P & R Communications for the fair. All members of the board agreed to switch the Ag. Society’s banking from the Middlefield Bank to HSLC. The next monthly fair board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 7pm in the fair office.