PHOTO BY RENEA KESSLER | THE VILLAGE REPORTER
CONTRACT … Board members listened to updates on a contract for their Marketing Manager and discussed items that should be added to that contract, then tabled the issue until the next meeting.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Fulton County Fair Board met on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The meeting opened at 6:30 p.m. with a brief introduction by individuals taking over the Gospel building this year.
Before regular business, leadership noted a change in voting procedure going forward, explaining that secret ballot voting could not be used. If any vote included a “no,” the board would move to a roll call vote.
The secretary’s report followed, with the December minutes presented and approved by motion and second.
In the treasurer’s report, the board was told that total assets across accounts were about $1.3 million, and that the first draw for the arts and crafts building project had been paid, in the amount of $97,060.
Under old business and committee reports, the marketing contract was discussed. A new proposal was presented showing compensation of $50,400 annually, paid at $4,200 per month from March through December.
The committee recommended acceptance with added language requiring reporting at each meeting detailing work completed. Members also raised concerns about ensuring the fair board has access to passwords, accounts, and materials created under the contract, since the work would be paid for by the board.
Additional discussion included whether the contract should address ticket or pass giveaways connected to promotional work. The contract discussion was tabled until the March meeting to allow time for follow-up questions.
A parks and recreation-related update was given that included recent outreach, convention conversations, and ongoing questions about funding pathways, including whether grant processes should run through the county or the board.
Equipment discussion followed, regarding mower replacement considerations. Topics included cost differences between diesel and gas options, tire and component transfer, and operational concerns. A motion was made to table the mower matter until March.
The board then addressed auxiliary membership and approved a blanket motion to keep the current auxiliary members in place. Two vacant auxiliary spots were then filled through a voting process after several applicants’ names were read aloud.
There was also discussion about whether auxiliary membership should include children of current members, with general acknowledgment that family connections already exist in practice.
A permit related to off-season camping was discussed, and a motion was approved to table the issue until March.
The board also discussed seasonal grounds help, approving a plan for Julie to provide summer help for tasks such as weeding and flower beds, potentially reducing the need to hire a summer student. Julie has been involved with the Fulton County Fair for some time.
Pay was discussed at $17 per hour, with the expectation that hours would be documented similarly to existing staff practices.
Several facilities and operations items followed. The board discussed replacing the fairgrounds digital sign and plans to obtain pricing.
A major discussion took place about the livestock sale, referencing significant problems from the prior year, including delays that left junior exhibitors waiting about two months to receive their checks.
The board approved a plan to bring the livestock sale operation in-house under the fair board’s umbrella so the board can control timelines, training, documentation, and accountability.
A sponsorship update stated roughly $39,000 had been secured so far, with additional sponsor meetings planned.
A proposal was also presented to hire a professional livestock show photographer, funded by sponsor support rather than fair board dollars, with families able to download photos at no cost. The board expressed support, with a preference for using a local photographer.
Entertainment planning included discussion of a proposed comedy magic performer at $2,400 plus two hotel nights, and a multi-day “comedy farm magic” style act quoted at $5,400 plus lodging.
Additional entertainment options were mentioned, including a roaming mascot-style act that was still being explored. Cooling equipment needs for the improved building were also mentioned, including the possibility of renting units for the fair week.
The board approved the purchase of a skid loader broom attachment located via a Black Swamp Equipment listing, priced at $2,250.
A separate grounds improvement was approved involving removing about a foot of dirt in a specified area and backfilling with grindings at a quoted cost of $6,280.
Membership sales policies were discussed, including a motion to allow memberships to be sold through the office by designated staff for longer hours than in previous years.
The board approved paying for Treasurer Kelly Bentley to become a notary, at a cost of roughly $250, to reduce reliance on banks for notarizations.
The board also approved designating Bentley to complete Sunshine Law training on behalf of newly elected board members, with a training date of February 10, 2026.
Finally, the board approved adopting the county commissioners’ cybersecurity policy to satisfy legal compliance requirements, with the understanding that it would be kept confidential on file due to its operational security content.
In its final business, the board approved giving $1,000 to 4-H for their annual banquet. With nothing further, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.