On Wednesday, August 2, the Darke County Agricultural Society’s board of directors held their meeting with 9 members present, Jason Manning and James Zumbrink not present.
Tim Reck, President of the of the Darke County Horsemen Association presented a list of sponsors, who already committed to sponsorships of $1250 resp $2500 for a 5 year period of banners at the horse barns.
Per day of the meeting, Reck raised a total of $22,500 from the sponsors. Sponsors for Barns 1 and 2 ($2,500 sponsorships) are American Legion Post 140, Gower and Sons Painting, Jafe Decoration, Wayne Builders and Dudley Lipps. Sponsors for the other barns and the Blacksmith shop ($1,500 sponsorships) are Jim Buchy, Sharp’s Tavern, Chris Gilbert, Co Alliance, Barbara Fletcher and Dick Brown, Wieland Jewelers, Weyrick’s Peat Moss, the J&M Ranch and the Darke County Harness Horsemen.
The raised money, together with a grant from the Ohio Harness Horsemen Association (the Darke County Agricultural Society will apply for this grant) and the commitment of the Darke County Horsemen Association and the Darke County Agricultural Society made, would add up to more than $40,000. With that amount it would be possible to complete the necessary repairs before the 2024 fair
Tim Reck also talked about an issue with the manure pit at the junior fair horse barns, which is not on a concrete slab. Tim already talked to a contractor regarding the costs for concrete slabs and suggested that 2 manure pits should be installed. The board agreed and added a third pit for sawdust to the list, with a total estimated cost of $7,500. The Board The board unanimously approved the motion.
The Junior Fair Board presented their report and talked about the status of the junior fair member fair pass, trophies, Hearts of Darke and Stock the Trailer. They also reported that they are still looking for sponsors for some of the Trophies. Anyone who is interested in sponsoring a trophy should contact Junior Fair Coordinator Betsy Petitjean. Frenchtown Fullenkamp Trailers donated a Cargo Trailer for the “Stock the Trailer” challenge, which will be located outside the Youth Building. There might be a second trailer available, which would be sitting close to the South Show Arena.
Fair Board Treasurer Marla Werner shared that an adult changing table will be available through the whole time of the fair, provided by the Darke County Developmental Disabilities board and located in the former Red Cross building. The building is now the spot of Spirit Medical Transport. Spirit is sharing the space, which serves as room for the adult changing table and as a cooling room.