(PHOTO BY INDIA KENNER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
FIRST MEETING OF YEAR … Fair board members jump into their meeting promptly at 7 p.m.
By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The fair board met on Thursday, January 16th, at 7 p.m. President Pam Goll, Vice President Tom Fry, Secretary Katie Winebernner, committee member Dave Page, and Tobi Fenicle were in attendance. Nine directors were present as were a few community members.
President Goll called the meeting to order after the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. There were no requests from the floor.
The previous meeting minutes were approved from the December 2024 regular board meeting. The treasurer’s report was also read and approved.
Discussion began about reaching out to Tix.com to investigate the steps if the fair decided to go completely digital. The board decided after a short discussion not to make that change just yet.
Next up was the maintenance committee letting the board know that some fencing will be repaired soon.
The first responder demo event is showing a lot of interest, so the board was throwing around the idea of giving back to first responders.
One idea was a trophy that would be donated. Another idea was meal deals and discounts on fair food or just paying out the top four. The board decided to just pay out the purses like they currently do.
For old business, Goll talked about planning the fundraising banquet set for February 7th and reminded the members to turn in any raffle tickets they sold and committee assignments.
The board discussed the 2025 fair schedule with Saturday being the rodeo, Sunday Horse pulls, Monday Band show, Tuesday Blues Brothers, Wednesday Harness racing and Julia Neville concert, Thursday Youth night, Friday Derby, and Saturday KOI.
For new business discussing entertainment plans for the North Midway. Dave Page talked about a Blacksmith attending this year but for 2026 a glass blower will be booked.
Items made by the Blacksmith will be put up for sale. New this year will be Putt Putt golf. Laser tag will be back for a third year. Some other options were Steamers Group and Hot Diggity Dog.
Also, in new business is changing when the number one ticket is drawn. So, the board decided to draw the number 200 ticket instead of the number one ticket. The board is discussing if they want to offer a goat show this year because the goat pens are still being built.
The Williams County Agricultural Society Board meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m., with the next meeting set for Thursday, February 20th at 7 p.m.