April Meeting Held

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, April 4, 2018, for their regular board meeting. All twenty-one directors were present along with ten guests.

Craig Stump, President, called the meeting to order.

Kolt Buchenroth, stated there is now a new site being used to make the quarterly newsletter, done by Judi Cronley. People can sign up to get the newsletter through Facebook or the fair board’s website. A branding logo is being made for the fair and the website is being updated. Kolt expressed a need for the Secretary’s office to have an office IPad. The board agreed to purchase an IPad for the office, start a recurring monthly charge for an updated website and do a banner upgrade to the website.
Mike Comstock, representing the 4th of July Fireworks stated he would like a harmless clause initiated for others, than himself to shoot off fireworks at other sites, than the Hardin County Fairgrounds. This is for the other licensed fireworks workers that want to help put on fireworks off site. The board agreed to go ahead with this request. Judi Cronley noted that a 4th of July Fireworks Committee meeting is set for Monday, April 9th at 7pm.
Roger Crowe, County Commissioner, stated the County Engineer has been in contact with the commissioners about resealing all the roads in the fairgrounds and stated they wouldn’t be able to cover the whole cost, so the commissioners have agreed to pay the remaining 35%. The board thanked the commissioners for this generous offering.
Mark Light, OSU 4-H Extension Agent, stated club enrollment deadline is April 13th.
Mark Badertscher, OSU Extension Agent, stated the first Goat Banquet is to be held this Saturday, April 7th at 5:30pm, at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church.
Chris Rogers, representing Shane’s Shirts, introduced himself.
Paul Ralston, fair board director and member of the Hardin Community Fair Foundation, gave an update on the Foundation. There were $7,922 in deposits made in 2017, $9,376.24 in net earnings, giving them a balance of $81,178.58 for the year. Donations can be made to the Foundation by writing checks to the Hardin Community Foundation – Fair Fund, P.O. Box 317, Kenton, Ohio.

The board approved the 990 for the IRS.

The board agreed to have a fee for vendors to pay for electric use during the 4th of July. It will be $50 for a 220 hookup and $25 for a 110 hookup. The board also agreed to purchase a new Ferris IS2100Z mower from Ritchey Auto and Tire Center with our trade in. And finally the board moved to have the county fix both places of the roads in the fairgrounds that need repaired.

Craig Stump, representing the Camping Committee, stated there are a couple new rules for fair camping. One being if an emergency arises and you are unable to camp for the year, you must call the office ASAP. If the secretary can fill that spot for the year, then the original camper will be given a camping refund. Another rule deals with camping spots that are paid, but don’t have a camper at the spot. That can only happen for one year, to keep the spot. Camping spots need to be rented to those who want to camp that year, not just for spots to be rented for a future year.

Rob Wilson, representing the entertainment committee, stated all contracts for entertainment have been signed.

Livestock judges are needed for the Dairy Dept., Dairy Beef Feeders & Steers, and Beef Dept.

Sherri Beale, representing the Jr. Fair Board stated the Jr. Fair Board did well during the Consignment Sale. They have also decided to be show sponsors for the Mobile Glass Blower, Dino-Roar, Bear Hollow Wood Carver and the Columbus Zoo.

Judi Cronley, gave an update on fair sponsors for 2018. New sponsors are Hensel Ready Mix, Diamond M Vet Clinic, Ron Eastman for County Commissioner, Ferguson Insurance Agency, Buckeye Hybrids, American Family Insurance, Wilson Tire Comp., and Barb’s French Fries and Waffles.

There is still an opportunity for a group that has a 501-C-3 status, to work the fair gates on Friday of the fair. The group would receive $1000 and around 35 volunteers would be needed to fulfill their obligations. Any qualified group interested should call the Fair Secretary’s office at 419-675-2396.

Under old business:
There are 5 directors and guests attending the District I & II meeting in Jenera Ohio on April 14th.
Non Livestock judges are needed for Culinary Arts, Cultural Arts, Youth, Pie Day, Decorative Painting, fine arts, woodworking, crafts/ceramics and HS Art.
Winter storage items will be available for pick up on Saturday, April 14th.

Under new business:
It was noted camping contracts for the 2018 fair will be going out soon.
The Radio Rental Contract from Audio Innovators was discussed and the board would like to further research options for radios.
The Hardin County Fairgrounds will be the drop off site for the city wide clean up, April 16-April 19th.
The 2018 Hardin County Fair t-shirt design was shown to the board.
A grounds/executive board meeting was set for Tuesday, April 24th at 7pm.
The next regular board meeting will be Wednesday, May 2nd at 7:00pm in the Fair Office.