Grandstand receives a new coat of paint

Posted on by Kolt Buchenroth Posted in UpdatesTagged ,
An employee of Tooman Roofing and Painting rolls a fresh coat of paint onto the north side of the grandstand.

In order to maintain and preserve the iconic Hardin County Fair grandstand, the Hardin County Fair Board is investing $51,000 in painting the grandstand structure. Each side of the block walls, as well as the roof of the grandstand, will all receive a fresh coat of paint. The iconic letters that read “Hardin County” will be hand painted back on following the completion of the project.

We want to be sure that the grandstand is here and looking it’s best for generations to come. It is an icon recognized around the state, and we are committed to preserving it.

Corey Ledley, Hardin County Fair President

The work is being completed with funds from the Hardin County Agricultural Society’s capital improvement fund in collaboration with funds from the Hardin County Commissioners. The project is being done by Tooman Roofing and Painting of Leipsic Ohio.

Board holds June meeting

Posted on by Kolt Buchenroth Posted in Uncategorized

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, June 5, 2019, for their June board meeting.  Seventeen directors and ten guests were present.

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

Alesia Martin and Bob & Kelly Carder expressed their interest in hosting an Open Horse Show during the Saturday of the Hardin County Fair.  It would be in memory of Taylor Carder (Taylor’s Way).  The board moved to allow the horse show contingent upon receiving liability insurance and using a waiver. 

Mike Comstock was present to thank the board for their cooperation in allowing the fireworks to occur at the fairgrounds, along with having a 4th of July parade. 

Under correspondence a thank you was read from the OSU extension office in regards to allowing them to have their first beginner livestock boot camp in the show arena.  They had over 60 in attendance and all comments about the event have been positive.

The board approved the strategic plan for the fairgrounds, with the fair board reviewing it on a monthly basis. 

Kelly Buchenroth gave a report on what is happening with the grounds at the fairgrounds.  The grandstand has been power washed in preparation for it being painted.  It was noted when the spray painting occurs the secretary office will have to be closed, which should only be for a day.  A reassessment with the insurance group has started for every building on the fairgrounds.  A workday for the fairgrounds is set for Saturday, June 15th.

Judi Cronley showed the camping rules that have been attached to the offseason campsite agreement.  Craig Stump, Camping chairman, has started working on square footage for camping during the offseason.

Rob Wilson, chairman of the Entertainment Committee, stated ticket sales for Saturday night’s entertainment for the Hardin County Fair with Tyler Rich and Matt Stell go on sale this Friday, June 7th.  All ticket sales are done online at www.hardincountyfair.org and if you don’t have access to a computer, you can obtain your tickets during Secretary Office hours on Wednesday and Friday’s from 9am-4pm.  Tickets are $25 for the track, $20 for reserved and $15 for general admission and the concert starts at 7 pm.  The board agreed to have a 42” playback screen (video board) during the Thursday evening harness racing.  The board agreed to purchase cancellation insurance for the concert on Saturday night of the fair and to research having rain insurance, too.  Rain Insurance may also be purchased for Sunday of the fair, for the demo derby.   

Judi Cronley stated a beef judge for Wednesday of the fair is still needed, all other livestock judges have been acquired.  It was noted the sheep weigh-in is scheduled for this Saturday, June 8th from 8am-11am and the goat weigh-in is also scheduled for this Saturday from 10am-11am.  This year’s livestock from the fair will be slaughtered at Jenkin’s Meats, formally Mt. Victory Meats. 

Janie Seiler, chairman of the rides/concession/vendor committee stated there are booth spaced for the 2019 Hardin County Fair available, so if there are groups interested in a booth or ground space, submit an application of interest to the Hardin County Fairgrounds and those applications can be located at www.hardincountyfair.org.  Current renters for booth and vendor spots have until June 15th to pay for their spot.

Nancy Rickenbacher and Sherri Beale, advisors for the JR. Fair Board, stated their next meeting will be Monday, June 24th at 7 pm to meet the senior fair board directors.  This will also be a cookout.  The JR Fair board also received $600 from the Hardin County Community Foundation for the COSI exhibit during the Hardin County Fair.

Kolt Buchenroth, Fair Communications Director, talked about the fair yard signs and the board agreed to have 25 new signs made with the fair logo.  The board agreed to update the phone system at the fairgrounds to voice over IP.  The board also agreed to lease a copier from Perry Pro Tech.  The copier will also handle all of the printing from the 5 computers in the office along with faxing/scanning.  One board member opposed the lease option.  The board also agreed to purchase an IPad to be used in the show arena.  

Under old business:

Judi Cronley stated the fair premium book is available online at www.hardincountyfair.org and in the fair office.  Judges are still needed for dogs, decorative painting, HS Art, woodworking, photography and crafts for the 2019 fair.  It was announced that the Fairground was awarded $2500 from the Hardin County Community Foundation to help purchase a digital sign for the front of the fairgrounds. 

Under new business: It was announced fair t-shirts have been ordered with the fair logo on them.  The 2019 Commemorative Fair Signs of the Fair Premium Cover have been ordered from Scioto Sign.  New fair directors were reminded to order their shirts for the fair.  It was announced JR Fair entries for the fair can now be entered through the fair’s website at www.hardincountyfair.org.  All non-livestock and livestock projects have to be entered by Wednesday, July 31st to show at the fair.  The next board meeting will be Wednesday, July 3rd at 7:00 pm in the Fair Office.

June Board Meeting Set

Posted on by Kolt Buchenroth Posted in Agendas, Board Meetings
  1. Call to Order
  2. Guests
  3. Correspondence
  4. Minutes of the last meeting
  5. Financial Reports
  6. Bills to Approve
  7. Committee Reports:
    1. Executive Committee
    2. Strategic Planning
    3. Grounds Committee
    4. Camping Committee
    5. Entertainment Committee
    6. Livestock Committees
    7. Rides and Concessions
    8. Junior Fair Board Report
    9. Advertising/Sponsorship/Tech Committees
    10. Other Committees
  8. Old Business:
    1. The Fair Premium Book is available online at www.hardincountyfair.org and in the fair office.
    2. Judges needed for Dogs, Decorative Painting, HS Art, Woodworking, Photography, and Crafts
    3. Hardin Community Foundation awarded a grant for digital at the front entrance of the fairgrounds for $2500.
  9. New Business:
    1. Fair t-shirts are being ordered this month.
    2. Commemorative 2019 Fair Signs of the Fair Premium Cover have been ordered.
    3. Junior Fair entries for the fair can now be entered through the Fair’s website at www.hardincountyfair.org.  All non-livestock and livestock projects have to be entered by Wednesday, July 31st.
    4. Pit wristband workers for Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights of the fair.
  10. Next regular board meeting is Wednesday, July 3rd at 7 pm in the Fair Office or does it need to be moved up a week (June 26th)?

New Weight Limit for Dairy Beef Feeder Weigh In

Posted on by Kolt Buchenroth Posted in 2019 Fair, Dairy Beef Feeder, Junior Fair, Livestock

The Hardin County Fair Dairy Beef committee has introduced a new rule for dairy beef feeder exhibitors. According to the committee, to prevent having a maximum weight limit at the fair, a 350-pound weight limit will be enforced at the weigh in on Saturday, May 25th from 8:00 am to 10:30 am.

Fair veterinarians from Diamond M Veterinary Clinic will be at the weigh-in to administer the mandatory vaccines. They will also be providing castration and dehorning services.

Maximum Sheep Weight Change Reverted

Posted on by Kolt Buchenroth Posted in 2019 Fair, Junior Fair, Livestock, Sheep

There is a lot of confusion about the maximum weight of market lambs at our June 8, 2019, weigh in.  The information on the flyer that was handed out and posted in the sheep barn, as well as reiterated at the banquets did not make the fair book this year. The fair book is the official rules of our fair and cannot be altered after printing, therefore we will be following the rules as stated in the fair book.  The difference in wording was completely overlooked at the time of editing. I understand that this affects a lot of projects and I, as the chairman, take responsibility for this. It is not the intention of the sheep department committee nor my own to create problems but to try and create a “market project” and be fair to all.

This along with rules set in the past will be addressed. 

Please DO NOT call the fair office or the extension office to voice your opinions, this matter does not pertain to them and they CAN NOT answer any questions.

This is a sheep department issue and it will be resolved.

My apologies from myself ,the committee and the board.

Sincerely,

Mark Garmon

Junior Fair Entries Open

Posted on by Kolt Buchenroth Posted in UncategorizedTagged , ,

The Hardin County Fair is now accepting junior fair entries for the 2019 Hardin County Fair. Members of Hardin County 4-H clubs, FFA chapters, family & consumer sciences courses, high school art courses, Boy Scouts, or Girl Scouts, Farm Bureau Youth, or Grange Youth may enter projects into the 2019 Hardin County Fair. 

Entries must be completed online at hardin.fairwire.com by July 31st at 11:59 pm. Exhibitors with questions can contact their advisors or the Hardin County Fair by calling (419) 675-2396.

Beef Feeder Tags, Shots Required by June 1st

Posted on by Kolt Buchenroth Posted in 2019 Fair, Beef, LivestockTagged , ,

Edited to reflect updated information regarding the tagging process.

Official Hardin County Fair ear tags for Junior Fair Beef Feeder projects are now available for pickup. Exhibitors can either transport their animal to the Diamond M Veterinary Clinic during normal office hours (Weekdays 8:00 am – 6:30 pm, Saturday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm) or schedule a farm call. These tags, along with the first dose of vaccinations that must also be given by Diamond M staff, must be administered by the fair-wide June 1st livestock ownership deadline.

May Meeting Held

Posted on by Kolt Buchenroth Posted in Board Meetings, Minutes

The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, May 1, 2019, for their May board meeting.  Eighteen directors and nine guests were present.

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

Mark Light, 4-H Extension Agent, stated the extension office has hired a program assistant and they will have 2 student interns for the summer.  Mark announced the 4-H extension program will be hosting a livestock workshop and quality assurance on Saturday, June 1st from 9:30am-noon in the show arena at the Hardin County Fairgrounds.  The program is for 1st, 2nd and 3rd year livestock exhibitors – no matter what age you are.  Mark also announced that their livestock judging for 4-H is being changed to 3 different skill groups.  The exhibitors will be judged in either a beginner group, intermediate group or senior group, depending on how many years the livestock exhibitor has had a project.  

Under correspondence, Judi Cronley announced the Agricultural Society has been awarded a grant to help purchase a digital sign for the front entrance of the fairgrounds.  

The board moved to pay Classic Trophy and Engraving a deposit of $2500 to get started on making the trophies for the Hardin County Fair.  Brad Murphy, chairman for the Executive Committee and Matt Jennings discussed a preliminary strategic plan for the Agricultural Society. The board moved to go forward with developing a strategic plan for the society.  A date for the whole board to add their input to the plan was set for May 13th at 7 pm.  

Kelly Buchenroth, chairman of the ground’s committee, discussed the ground’s committee minutes from last week.  The Ag. Society board agreed to go with Tooman Roofing & Painting to paint the grandstand at a price of $51,000.  Work days for the summer were announced as June 15th, July 20th, and August 10th.  Projects to be done will be installing a fan, painting the racehorse barn roofs, drainage, horseshoe pit tear out and painting the beef restroom.

Judi Cronley stated all fair camping sites have been rented for the 2019 Hardin County Fair.

Rob Wilson, chairman of the Entertainment Committee, gave an update on harness racing for this year’s fair.  

Judi Cronley stated a beef judge for Wednesday of the fair is still needed, all other livestock judges have been acquired.  Livestock weigh license applications have been signed and will be mailed this week to the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture. The mandatory dairy beef feeder vaccinations and weigh-in is scheduled for Saturday, May 25th from 8am-10: 30 am at the fairgrounds. The maximum weight of 350 pounds will be enforced this year.  

Janie Seiler, chairman of the rides/concession/vendor committee stated there are booth spaced for the 2019 Hardin County Fair available, so if there are groups interested in a booth or ground space, submit an application of interest to the Hardin County Fairgrounds and those applications can be located at www.hardincountyfair.org.

Nancy Rickenbacher and Amanda Murphy, advisors for the JR. Fair Board, stated their next meeting will be Monday, June 24th to meet the senior fair board directors.  This will also be a cookout.

Judi Cronley, a member of the advertising committee, showed the coloring books that will be given to county preschool students to color and then bring to the Rotary booth for a free scoop of ice cream during the 2019 Fair.   

Under old business:

Corey Ledley and Judi Cronley attended the District I & II meeting and gave an update on the meeting.  Fair dates were a big discussion at the meeting. Judi Cronley stated judges are still needed for dogs, decorative painting, HS Art, woodworking, photography and crafts for the 2019 fair.  

Under new business:It was announced the Fair Premium book will be available to the public on Friday, May 10th.  Jack McBride raised his concern over the layout of the book.  He does not like the fair book ads that the Kenton Times receives for the book breaking up the categories and classes.  He said it’s very hard to follow when an ad disrupts the classes. The whole fair board agreed with him. Judi Cronley stated she has asked to have all ads put in the back of the book, but that was rejected by the Kenton Times.  Further discussion will be held for future fair books. Judi Cronley stated she has sent out the box seat letters for the 2019 fair. Judi also stated the audit for years 2017 and 2018 has begun. The next board meeting will be Wednesday, June 5th at 7:00 pm in the Fair Office.

Sheep Exhibitor Registration

Posted on by admin Posted in 2019 Fair, Livestock, Sheep

In order to maintain a uniform standard among the livestock species, the Hardin County Fair Sheep Department will be requiring registration before weigh-in and tagging of all market lambs exhibited at the Hardin County Fair. There will be a limit of four lambs registered per exhibitor and one family tag however; there will still be the limit of two per exhibitor for fair exhibition. 

Lamb weigh-in/tagging is being held at the Hardin County Fairgrounds on the second Saturday of June, June 8, 2019, from 8-10am. Participation in this weigh-in/tagging is required for exhibition at the Hardin County Fair. 
The June 1 ownership deadline is still required, while the deadline for registration will be the first Monday in June, June 3, 2019. Registration information will be sent via e-mail no later than April 19 and will be available on the OSU Extension website hardin.osu.edu.

Any questions or concerns are to be directed to the Hardin County Fairboard Sheep Committee at 419-679-6049.