The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Saturday, August 5, 2017, at the Hardin County Fairgrounds for their monthly board meeting. Seventeen directors were and 16 guests were present.
Howard Lyle, President, called the meeting to order.
Mark Badertscher, representing the OSU Extension Office, discussed the cases of swine flu at some county fairs. He also talked about needing a backup location for the carcas show for Thursday, Sept. 14th.
Clay Hastings and three of his friends stated they were building a car for the demolition derby in memory of Keegan McKee. They wanted the car to be accessible to the community for people to sign the car, which will be donated to Keegan’s family. The board stated it could be located in the infield before the derby.
Mark Light, representing the OSU 4-H Extension Office, stated 4-H livestock interviews will be on August 8th from 1-8pm and last chance for Quality Assurance will be on August 9th from 1-3pm. He stated he has had more requests from 4-H clubs wanting a booth this year for the fair. Horse Council wants to update electrical in the Horse Barn. Jim Bidwell and Greg Liedel moved to let the community trick or treat through the 4-H building, an event being sponsored by 4-H Council. Motion passed.
Jack McBride stated there is 2660 Jr. Fair entries.
Correspondences were read from the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture’s State Veterinarian and Chief, ODA Division of Animal Health, regarding Swine influenza and erysipelas. It was stated in the letter that both of these illnesses can be directly transmitted between swine and humans in the same way that illness can be transmitted between people. Information will be posted throughout the swine building about proper sanitation, there will be hand washing/sanitizing stations near all entrances to the barns, and people are to refrain from bringing food and drinks into the barns. The board received an email from Jessica Jones regarding her sister who is battling rectal cancer. The directors moved to donate 2 tickets to the Lauren Alaina concert to them. A thank you letter from the Kenton Area Summer Swim Team Board was read, regarding the use of the fairground’s trash barrels during their Summer Swim Champs. An invitation to Hardin Soil & Water Conservation Dist. and Natural Resources Conservation Service’s customer appreciation day was read.
Jim Bidwell spoke on behalf of the Grounds Committee. It was noted ridge vents have been installed in the horse barn to help with ventilation, money was donated for this project. Tice Construction have poured a new sidewalk to the community building and sidewalks around the new show arena. New fans have been installed in the show arena and tarps have been ordered for the new show arena. Memorial signs for the livestock barn projects were discussed. A work day for the directors has been set for Saturday, August 12th and the next ground’s committee meeting is set for Monday, August 14th at 7 pm.
It was noted the Ag. Society is still waiting on the State Camping License. There are currently 2 fair campers who have not paid for their camping spots for 2017. These are new campers for this year. Craig Stump stated a camping meeting will be held after this board meeting.
Judi Cronley gave an update on how ticket sales were going for the Lauren Alaina Concert. Ticket sales continue on the Fair’s website through pay pal and in the office from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday. 600 tickets have been sold so far.
All livestock judges have been acquired for the fair. Weigh licenses have been received. Rabbit tattooing will be on Saturday, August 12th from 9am-11am. The swine barns are going to be disinfected. The goat scrapie paper is going to be on the OSU 4-H website for accessibility. It was decided to purchase mulch for the new show arena.
Janie Seiler, representing the rides/concessions dept. stated all booths in the buildings have been filled. Outside space is still available. There is a new implement dealer coming to the fair, along with a couple new food vendors. Ray Davis and Don Spar moved to not let another group sub lease from the Genealogy Society during the week of the fair. This is per rule #8 and #32 as stated on their contract. They will be notified. The same amount of golf carts will be ordered for the fair week, which has been used in the past. Departments needing tents during the week of the fair, need to be turned in to Janie Seiler, by Monday, August 28th.
Committee reports for Jr. Fair board kids were given to the directors. It was suggested that the kids meet with their department chair people at 8:15 am on August 19th before the fair work day begins. The board moved to have a Jr. Fair board kid answer the phone in the office for a couple hours a day during the fair.
Kolt Buchenroth mentioned the internet speed during the week of the fair is not fast enough to do a live internet video stream. This issue will be researched.
Under old business:
Jr. Fair entries were due on July 31st. Open class entries are now being accepted in the office or by going online and submitting them that way until August 18th. The fair office is now open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm. All reserved tickets can be purchased in the office now. Season tickets have gone on sale in the community and the fair website has a list of where tickets can be purchased.
Under new business:
The emergency management meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 16th at 6:30 pm in the Grange restaurant. Following that meeting, the arts & crafts building will be set up for the fair. The fairground work day is scheduled for Saturday, August 19th, starting at 8:15 am. The next regular board meeting will be Saturday, September 2nd at 7:30 pm in the community building.
