Hardin County Agricultural Society Convenes for June Board Meeting

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met last week for their June monthly board meeting.

There were fourteen directors and nine guests were present.

It was announced that online ticket sales continue for the Rodney Atkins concert.

Grandstand seating is $25 and track seating and standing is $35.

Also at the meeting, Rob Wilson, the Entertainment Chairman, announced that Sheriff Keith Everhart will be the speaker for the Hardin County Fair’s Hour of Inspiration.

Here are the complete minutes of the meeting, which were submitted:

HARDIN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY June Board Meeting- June 5, 2024

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, June 5 2024, for their June monthly board meeting.

Fourteen directors and nine guests were present.

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

Amanda Raines, OSU Extension, announced there will be a Retirement Open House for Mark Badertscher on June 27th, from 12- 4:30pm at the OSU Extension Office. RSVP to Kelsey Garmon at the Extension Office. A letter from AEP was read about the Ag. Society not being billed properly for Kilowatt Hours between June 2023 and March 2024. They will begin collecting the unbilled amount over a 12 month period. A thank you was read from Erica Yitto, HN Yearbook Advisor.

Jake McFadden and Jack McBride moved to transfer $16,000 from the Consignment Sale Account to the Capital Account. Motion passes unanimously.

Sherri Beale, JR Fair Board Advisor, noted the next JR Fair Board meeting is scheduled for Sunday, June 30th at 6pm in the Community Building. She also stated ribbon and trophy past due letters have been sent, with payments being due this month. If payments are not received this month, those sponsors will not be recognized at the fair this year.

Brad Murphy stated we are still waiting on a rough estimate from Golden Giant for the new buildings. Once that has been received the strategic plan will be updated.

It was noted there is a water leak in front of the grandstand. Some roof issues have been fixed. It was noted the bucket truck currently has no breaks. Work days for moving items from Shop/Crop, FFA, Photography and HS Art to the Merchant’s building were set as June 22nd, July 13th and July 27th at 8am. Then booth spaces will be
made for vendors moving from the Merchant’s Building to their new area.

All fair camping spots have been paid. One new camper never paid and 2 messages were left with them, they were then told to get back on the waiting list if they still wanted to camp. The Cushman Club had less campers this year than last. The Ag. Society received $930 in camping fees last year, compared to $620 this year. Overall
payment was $730 less than last year, but the contract was changed this year- reducing ground rental by $420. They will let us know if they want to rent the grounds for next year this month. The Ohio Good Sam RV Club will be coming next month to camp for a week. They have not told us their number of campers coming as of this date.

Online ticket sales continue for the Rodney Atkins concert: Grandstand seating for $25 and track seating/standing for $35. Rob Wilson, Entertainment Chairman, announced that Keith Everhart will be the speaker for the Fair’s Hour of Inspiration. Judi is waiting on Riverdale, HN and ONU Bands to sign their fair contracts saying they are coming to this year’s fair. Directors asked Judi to send grandstand ticket booth and pit workers contracts to the same people as last year. It was noted that cheerleading judges are needed for Sunday of the fair. Hotel Reservations are being made for Harness Racing, Gate Workers, Wood Carver, Horse Judge, Laser Tag, Mobile GlassBlower, and Magic Man TJ Hill.

The Sheep Weigh in is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th from 8-9:30am and the Goat Weigh in is scheduled for Saturday, June 8th from 10-11am. Judi noted judges are needed for Dairy, Dairy Beef, Beef (Thursday) and Thursday Horse. Judi is waiting on signed contracts to be returned from Goats, Rabbits and Swine. All other contracts have been returned. It was noted there will be a Rabbit Show, being sponsored by Country Timers 4-H Club, on Sunday, June 23rd from noon to 6pm in the small animal show arena.

Jake McFadden noted vendor/concession applications are still being accepted online for indoor and outdoor spaces.

Jake McFadden, Advertising/Sponsorship Chairman, stated the sponsorship campaign continues. Kolt Buchenroth stated the fiber will start to be installed at the end of June. Graphics for signs have been started. There will be an active shooter training on August 24th at 8am. Meeting place will be in the Community Building. Everyone should be in attendance.

Under old business:

Judi noted there are Open Class Fair Books available in the Secretary’s Office and printed sections for the JR Fair now available. There is a limited number of books available. Judges for many open class departments are still needed. A contract with BKP to help supply EMS coverage during the fair was discussed. Kolt Buchenroth is working with EMS on a schedule for the week of the fair.

Under new Business:

Fair contracts are being sent to Mounted Posse, Firefighter’s Association, F & L Septic Cleaning, TJD Industrial Cleaning, S V & E Refuse and the draft horse association. It was noted JR Fair Entries can now be made through the fair’s website. Open Class entries can be made starting August 1st- August 23rd. Judi gave an update on rentals for June and July.

The next monthly fair board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 10th at 7pm in the Fair Office. This meeting is one week later than usual due to the 4th of July Holiday and is in the Fair Office, since the Ohio Good Sam will be using the Community Building on July 10th.