The Darke County Agricultural Society Board of Directors held their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, January 10.
All Board members were present at the meeting.
Tim Clark (Smash It Demolition Derby) talked about the possibility of doing a School Bus Demolition Derby ate the 2024 Fair. He said that he would need the Fair Board to talk to the schools and also to get the 4-H clubs involved. At other fairs students painted the different buses in their school colors and the school which color is on the winning bus would get a donation towards one of their student programs. The buses would be delivered ahead of the fair to give the students time to paint the buses. Tim also asked for $2000 higher payout in the new contract to pay the drivers higher prizes.
2 representatives of The Ohio Widow Sons talked about their State Rally that will take place July 19 and 20 of 2024. They expect about 300 to 400 people for their event, with even more people attending the concert. The security will be provided by the Sheriff’s Office for security. The event will benefit the Darke County Cancer Association.
Joe Wintrow addressed the Board regarding the Home and Sport Expo and informed the Board that the Darke County Sheriff’s Department is no longer involved with the Home and Sport Expo. Joe Wintrow, who served on the committee for some years wants to continue with this annual event but due to the solar eclipse being at “their” weekend, Joe wanted to move the Expo to the following weekend. He also made the suggestions that the Fair Board could partner with the Expo. The Board approved it with only one NO vote under the condition that the Board gets the building rent first and then a percentage of the profits. With the Expo’s part of the profit, Wintrow wants to support non-profits in Darke County.
The Board also approved with only one NO vote a proposal to move the livestock sale online. The Sale Committee suggested to do the online sales through Final Drive Breeders World Auction Service. This would reverse the trend of the dwindling of the numbers of buyers, reduce the high number of volunteer hours, eliminate the risk of errors in the hand written process and also improve the billing and paying process.