DONATION … Tobi Fenicle accepts a $17,500 donation from the Pioneer American Legion on behalf of the Williams County Fair Board.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Fair Board met for its regular meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, to discuss updates and donations received.
A substantial donation of $17,500 was received by the Pioneer American Legion to the fair, for the use of capital improvements.
Tobi Fenicle stated that this was a generous donation that needed to be recognized.
President Pam Goll called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Nine directors were present, alongside Vice President Tom Fry and Secretary Scott Carroll.
The board first approved the minutes from the November 2025 regular board meeting, as well as the Treasurer’s Report for November.
Goll reported that committee role delegations were underway. She also mentioned that “livestock checks are rolling out of the bank” after the fair in September. Premium checks for the 4-H clubs will be set out soon.
Margaret Harris will be filling an empty seat at the upcoming Ohio Fair Managers Association (OFMA) Convention.
Several Committee Reports were given by various members of the board. Matt Kennedy reported that after receiving only one interested response, the county will not be attending the Junior Fair Board Convention this year.
He also states that a total of 67 tickets have already been pre-ordered, 64 of those electronically.
Tom Fry said he will meet with an engineer after the start of the new year to discuss potentially replacing an overhead door in the grandstands.
Fenicle noted that the recently held gun show had about half-full attendance, making around $560.
The FFA Building door replacements are currently moving forward by getting revamped and reframed. Additionally, he is seeking quotes to fix the foundation.
Fenicle also shared plans of building a pavilion north of the Gillette Building to cut back on the cost of renting tents.
Described as a 40-by-40, nine-foot-tall construction build, it would allow the Board to invest in something more long-term for the fairgrounds.
Additionally, the board is looking at purchasing its own grandstands for the infield to avoid increasing rental costs.
Projected at $100,000, the grandstands are 100 feet long with 16 rows. Guardrails and handrails are included, but the entire project does not come pre-constructed.
A fundraising banquet is currently being planned, with raffle prizes, food, and activities being brainstormed by the group.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.