February Meeting Held

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, February 3, 2021, for their February board meeting.  Fourteen directors and twelve guests were present.

Corey Ledley, Board President, called the meeting to order.

Kenny Kearns and Lisa Ferguson were present to ask if there was going to be a draft horse show at the 2021 Hardin County Fair.  They were to plan like we are having a normal fair, but the fair board is waiting on final guidelines from the Governor.

Mark Light, OSU Hardin County Extension Agent, stated they have hired a new office associate, Karen Foulks.  He also stated clubs can start meeting in person, but people have to be socially distant and wear masks. 

A correspondence from Public Entities Pool of Ohio was read, stating the Ag. Society has received a $905 grant for more security cameras. 

Brad Murphy, Chairman of the Executive Committee, gave an update from the Executive Committee’s meeting held on Jan. 26^th. The signage grant issue will be resolved by purchasing other signage to go around the fairgrounds during the fair.  The Directors approved a new box seat agreement.  Judi Cronley will send an agreement to all current box seat renters.  It was noted the Ag. Society has applied for the 2^nd Paycheck Protection Program. 

Rob Wilson, Dale Cockerell, and Craig Stump, Ground’s Co-Chairmen discussed the ground’s committee minutes from Jan. 19^th.  The old horseshoe pit area is going to change over to a handicapped parking lot.  The County Engineer’s office will handle the main part, with B-Sealed finishing the top.  The Ag. Society will apply for a Hardin Community Foundation Grant, for roof paint, to paint the racehorse barns roofs.  Steve Harpster gave an update on how the renovations to the Sheep barn were going.  Rob Wilson and Mark Garmon moved to give a recommendation to the Fair Foundation, for initial drawings to be made for a new barn complex.  Motion passed unanimously.  The board agreed to look into hiring summer help at 10 hours a week.  Suggestions were given on who could be hired.  Those suggestions will be researched.  Pete Fout has contacted someone about trimming trees on the grounds.  Pete continues to change over lights to LED’s.  Rob Wilson discussed the visit from the Public Entities Pool of Ohio.  There was one finding and quotes are being received to resolve an issue in the Hardin Northern Restaurant. 

It was noted fair campers’ rent for the 2021 Hardin County Fair is due by next Friday – February 12^th.

Jake McFadden discussed a new system that would be an addition to Show Works called “FairVault”.  Many questions on how this actually would work with Show Works were brought to the table and more answers will be brought back to next month’s board meeting.  Directors moved to approve some new rules for the Junior Fair Livestock Sale.  Grand and Reserve Grand Champion animals will be the only actual animals that will go through the sale ring.  The Junior Fair Market Hog, Market Goat, Market Lamb, Market Steer, and Market Dairy Steer Shows will be classified as partial/terminal shows.   Exhibitors may elect to take animals home or sell them for commercial slaughter.  That choice must be declared at the weigh-in.  An Animal Destination form must be signed by the exhibitor and a parent, if the exhibitor is under 18, and given to the scale operator or the Arena Office by no later than one hour after weigh-in.  If this form is not received by the designated time, the animal(s) in question will automatically be declared for commercial slaughter.  Also, the schedule for release for all animals will be determined by the Agricultural Society and will be posted at the weigh-in for each species. 

Brad Murphy, Concession’s Chairman, stated contracts for the 2021 Hardin County Fair will be done online. 

Mark Light stated the Jr. Fair Board has held their first meeting and have 50 members.  At their next in February, the members will be working on committees and nominating officers. 

Jake McFadden, Sponsorship Committee Chairman, stated the sponsorship packets will be mailed soon. 

Kolt Buchenroth gave an update on using a digital ticketing system for gate admissions this year.  More information will be received to get the final approval from the board. 

Brad Murphy gave an update on the Consignment Sale.  The Hardin Health Dept. has given the OK for the Ag. Society to hold the Annual Consignment Sale as a masked event on Saturday, March 13^th, starting at 9 am.  Items will be consigned on Wednesday, March 10^th from 4-6:30 pm, Thursday, March 11^th from 8 am-6:30 pm and Friday, March 12^th from 8 am-6:30 pm.  All clerking will be done in the Community building to help with social distancing.  Concessions will be offered out of a food truck. 

Under old business:

Judi Cronley gave an update on HB 665 which addresses the ODA Redbook.  The law sections have been approved and now the rule sections need to be updated and approved from the Ohio Dept. of Ag.  State legislators are currently working on a moving forward plan for 2021 festivals and fairs.

Under new business: It was noted the 2019/2020 Audit has started.  The next Fair Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 3rd at 7 pm, in the Arts/Crafts Building.