PHOTO BY JOHN FRYMAN / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
DIRECTORS’ MEETING … From left, fair board secretary Scott Carroll, President Pam Goll and Vice-President Tom Fry go over the agenda presented at the Williams County Fair Board meeting held on Thursday, January 22 in the Thaman Building.
By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
The Williams County Fair Board met in regular session on Thursday, January 22 in the Thaman Building.
Following the call to order and the Pledge of Allegiance, a roll call of directors followed, with nine directors present and two absent. Three auxiliary directors were present, and two were absent.
In preparation for the 2026 Williams County Fair, which takes place from September 12-19, the board decided to keep the admission prices the same as last year.
Daily admission adult tickets are $5, with children 12 and under being admitted free; youth season passes are $10, and adult season passes are $20.
The board also established grandstand ticket prices and times for events taking place at the fair. Tickets can also be purchased electronically.
-Rodeo (Saturday, September 12, 7 p.m.). Tickets are $10 (adults) and $5 (12 and under).
-Concert (Sunday, September 13, 7 p.m.). Tickets are $20.
-Williams County Marching Band Show (Monday, September 14, 7 p.m.). Tickets are $2.
-Horse Pulls (Tuesday, September 15, 6 p.m.). Tickets are $5.
-Harness Racing (Wednesday, September 16, 1 p.m.). Grandstand admission will be paid for by the Williams County Harness Horsemen’s Association.
-Youth Night (Thursday, September 17, 7 p.m.). No admission charge.
-Demolition Derby (Friday, September 18, 7 p.m.). Tickets are $15 for grandstand and $20 for pit passes.
-KOI Drag Racing (Saturday, September 19, 6 p.m.). Tickets are $5 at the gate and $15 for infield pit passes.
The board approved an increase in camping rates from $150 to $200 weekly for the 2026 fair.
Board Director Scott Carroll made the motion to approve the rate increase, with Josh Balzer seconding it.
Board Director Tobi Fenicle gave an update on several midway entertainment events, including a new laser tag show and the All-American Petting Zoo, which features pony rides and pig races.
Fenicle has started preparing the paperwork with the Bryan Area Foundation regarding grandstand and shelter projects on the fairgrounds.
Board Director Matt Kennedy discussed the upcoming American Dairy Goat Association (ADGA) open dairy goat show to be held on July 11 at the fairgrounds.
Last year, the open dairy goat show brought in a net profit of $210.00.
Kennedy had requested setting up a budget for the open dairy goat show. This will include a $400 sanction fee for a total of three rings. $800 for judges, including hotel and mileage, $300 for estimated payout, and $200 for hauling out expenses. The total budget cost is $1,800.
An update was given regarding the upcoming fundraising banquet to be held on Saturday, February 14 in the Gillette Building.
The menu will include ribs and chicken along with a baked potato, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, buns, rolls, and drinks. Tickets are currently on sale with the ticket deadline set for February 10.
Fair Board President Pam Goll reported she got a notice from the Ohio Department of Agriculture stating the financial report had passed without any problems.
Upcoming events at the fairgrounds include a flea market to be held February 20-22 in the Gillette, 4-H, Rabbit and Poultry buildings. The next gun show will be held March 13-14.
The next regular board meeting will be held on Thursday, February 19 at 7 p.m. in the Thaman Building.