The Hardin County Agricultural Society met Wednesday, July 1, 2020, for their July board meeting.  Sixteen directors were present (Andrew Scharf, Dan Beale, Justin Beale, Kelly Buchenroth, Craig Decker, Austin Eibling, Craig Stump, Steve Harpster, Corey Ledley, Jack McBride, Brad Murphy, Paul Ralston, Christa Rarey, Jason Fulton, and Rob Wilson.) Ten guests were present (Pete Fout, Mark Badertscher, Roger Crowe, Kolt Buchenroth, Tim Thomas, JR Woods, Denise Woods, Todd Bidlack, Aaron Thompson, Sherri Beale, Nancy Rickenbacher, Mark Light, Marissa Osborne, Catharine Osborne, Kenny Kearns, Preston Brien, Doris Ralston.)

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

Kenny Kearns asked if the board will allow a draft horse show.

Mark Light, Associate Professor, 4-H Youth Development – Ohio State Extension Hardin County told the board that Extension staff will be conducing non-livestock project judging which will save the board $600 in judges. The judging will be spread over six days. Light also shared that 4-H Clubs can meet in person now and requested that clubs be allowed to meet outdoors on the fairgrounds. It was noted that horse workouts could begin again while following 4-H’s guidelines.

Jami Dellifield, Family & Consumer Sciences Educator – Ohio State Extension Hardin County presented questions and options regarding dish days and other presentations during the fair. She presented ideas for how these events could be held with regards to coronavirus. More planning will be conducted regarding this topic.

Lori Wilson had questions about how the fair is operating this year. More planning will be conducted regarding this topic.

Paul Ralston moved to accept the minutes of the last meeting. Dan Beale seconded the motion. Motion Passed

In correspondence, a letter from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Director of Agriculture Dorothy Pelenda was shared.

Brad Murphy, Vice President and Chairperson of the Executive Committee, read the minutes from the meeting on June 17th. Craig Stump moved to accept the minutes; Steve Harpster seconded. Motion passed. Brad Murphy continued by presenting the minutes of the July 1^st Meeting. Extensive discussion followed regarding the capacity in which to hold the 2020 fair. It was recommended by the Executive Committee to have a full fair. Kelly Buchenroth moved to accept the recommendation. Craig Stump seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Paul Ralston moved to apply for the grant money from the State of Ohio in the amount of $50,000.

Brad Murphy gave the floor to JR Woods of Durant Amusements who explained why they will not be operating this year. Durant is offering to subcontract with Jessop Amusements. Charlie McCullough moved to allow Durant Amusements to subcontract with Jessop Amusements to provide rides for the 2020 fair. Craig Stump seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Kelly Buchenroth, chairperson of the Building & Grounds Committee noted that JB Tubular is working on the railing for the Community Building accessibility entrance. The last day to store vehicles in the Merchant’s building is July 31^st. Hand Sanitizers and signage needs hung around the grounds.

It was noted at the meeting that Livestock judges are needed for Wednesday’s beef show, sheep, and dairy shows. Horse shot records must be turned into the secretary’s office by August 1^st. Rabbit tattooing is scheduled for Saturday, August 8^th from 9-11am.

Sherri Beale, Junior Fair Board Advisor, noted that the Junior Fair Board has been meeting virtually, and held their first in-person meeting on Monday, June 29^th. They have elected officers and Preston Brien was introduced as the president. Brad Murphy made the request that all Junior Fair Board members be heavily encouraged to attend the work sessions.

It was noted that the fair book is ready and will be made available online soon. It was also noted that all fair communications need to be directed through Kolt Buchenroth, Marketing & Communication Director.

Kolt Buchenroth gave an update regarding upgrades in the fair technology system.

Paul Ralston, Chairperson of the gates committee noted that Wednesday is available for any non-profit group that would be interested in working the gates. This is a fundraiser for non-profit groups in the community.

Under old business:

It was noted that The ODA grant was awarded for $50,000 for capital improvement. The first request for this money was sent for $38,801.82 for new sound equipment. Other funds will be used for the digital sign. Dylan Shepherd has done his part of the landscaping at the Community Building. The Paycheck Protection Program was extended and the $13,000 was given to the society will all be used.

Under new business:

The board was reminded of the open class and junior fair entry dates. Junior Fair entries can be made until July 31^st. Open Class entries can be made between August 1^st and August 21^st. The fair office will be opened on August 10^th Monday through Friday from 9am – 5pm. Work sessions for fair directors and committee members will be held next week. The schedule was emailed to board members. All members are expected to attend. The next special board meeting is Wednesday, July 15^th at 7pm.

State Representative Jon Cross voiced his support of the board for deciding to have a full fair. He reminded the board about the $50,000 coming from the legislature and clarified that there are no stipulations on how that money will be spent.

County Commissioner Roger Crowe noted that the commissioners are supportive and thankful that the board is moving forward with a full fair.

Charlie McCullough moved to adjourn.  Seconded by Justin Beale. Motion passed.