Hardin County Ag Society January 12 Meeting Minutes

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, January 12, 2022, for their January monthly board meeting.

Fifteen directors and ten guests were present.

Brad Murphy, Board President, called the meeting to order.

Kenny Kearns, representing the Hardin County Draft Horse Association, wanted to know if the board wanted to have another Draft Horse Show during the fair. Steve Harpster and Dale Cockerell moved to have a draft horse show during the fair. Motion passed unanimously.

Correspondences were read from Linda Golden, Matt Jennings and Ella Sherman.

It was noted a strategic planning committee meeting needs to be scheduled soon for a review.

Charlie McCullough, Development Committee Chairman, stated a design estimate and project estimate for the new multi-use facility will be sent in the next 2 weeks.

Randy Clark stated we are getting estimates on grinding the floor in the Community Building. The board agreed to apply for a Community Foundation Grant to help cover the cost of painting the interior of the Community Building for $4,675. The project will be done by McCoy.

Judi Cronley, Hardin County Fair Secretary/Treasurer, stated fair camping letters for the 2022 Hardin County Fair have been sent my email, with only about 20 having to be mailed. Payments will be due next month.

The Fair Board agreed to have a petting zoo, pig races, pony rides, Columbus Zoo (for 2 days), COSI (for 1 day), a Farm Comedy Show (4 days), Blacksmith (5 days) and the Bear Hollow Wood Carver (4 days) for a cost of approximately $33,000. This is all free entertainment for the 2022 fair.

Jack McBride, JR Fair Livestock Sale Committee Chairman, discussed the minutes from their Dec. 8th meeting. He noted Champion animals will sell first this year and each group of species will sell by livestock exhibitors with last names starting with “z to a” this year. Even years, like “2022” will sell z to a and odd years, like “2023” will sell a to z from now on.

Sherri Beale, Jr Fair board Advisor, stated the Jr Fair board members will start to meet for their meetings this month. They will be meeting in the Community Building, the last Sunday of each month.

It was noted sponsorship packets will be sent soon. They are being done on line this year. Brad Murphy noted the Hardin County Ag. Society received 5 2nd place awards during the 2022 OFMA Convention. Those awards were for Social Media, the Newsletter, Fair printed promotional item, Promoting Ag. Education and use of technology to promote the fair.

It was noted 2022 Fair Book updates are ongoing at this time. There are a few sections that still need updated – those being dogs, awards, fine arts, concession rules, demonstrations, fair foundation and Sr. Citizen’s Day. The gates committee met with the Sheriff’s Dept. and changes for mostly the west gate were introduced to them. The west gate ticket booth will be moved, a new drive for entering and exiting the west side of the fairgrounds will be made and the west walk in gate will be moved. The board agreed to have G U Event staffing man the 4 fair gates during the fair at a cost of $21,000. The Fair Board agreed to hold another Consignment Sale this year.

Under old business:

Brad Murphy announced Kendra Von Lehmden-Wentz is the new District 2 Fair Director, replacing Tom Higbie.

Under new business:

The Fair Board voted to have Kelly Buchenroth as the 2022 Hardin County Fair Honoree. The Fair Board agreed to have Jim Lyle build 2 more display cases for the Arts/Crafts Building. Austin Eibling, Crops/Vegetables Chairman, discussed increasing premiums for the crops/Vegetable section of the fair. Charlie McCullough and Dale Cockerell moved to table this discussion. Motion passed unanimously.

The next Fair Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 2nd at 7pm.