By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
The Wood County Fair Board’s decision in November to change board representation from districts to at-large positions paid off.
Six individuals applied for the five open at-large positions. Elected to the board at December’s meeting were Jolynn Nissen, Collin Britton, Erin Perry, David Richmond, and Ashley Welling. Nissen, Richmond, and Perry were sworn in, and Britton and Welling will be sworn in at the January meeting after their approved background checks are completed.
After a lengthy discussion at the November board meeting, a change to the Wood County Agricultural Society’s constitution was narrowly approved and the five open seats were advertised for interested candidates.
“One of the big things that we’ve seen the last three or four years during our elections at the fair is that we’re not getting candidates to run,” explained Fair Board President Paul Perry.
Previously, fair board directors were elected to represent their districts: District 1: Middleton, Plain, Washington, Grand Rapids, and Weston townships; District 2: Perrysburg, Lake, Webster, Troy, Freedom and Center townships; and District 3: Milton, Liberty, Portage, Montgomery, Jackson, Henry, Bloom, and Perry townships, and City of Bowling Green.
“In order for someone to run for one of the seats, they had to live in the district where the seat was open,” Paul Perry said.
For example, District 3 had more people running than there were open seats, yet there were still open seats in other districts.
“By making all the seats at-large, we had five positions that got filled tonight,” he said. “That tells me that the at-large concept works.”
Prior to the board voting on the new directors, each candidate discussed their strengths.
Britton grew up raising and showing beef and swine throughout his 4-H years. “I have competitively shown livestock across the United States and been fortunate to have many successes. These experiences have provided me with firsthand knowledge of livestock acquisition, animal care, and the standards of excellence expected at competitive events. I remain deeply committed to the program and its mission.”
Nissen was involved with the fair throughout her youth. After graduating from Iowa State University, where her classwork included access and technology, process improvement, change management and communication, she returned to the area and found ways to stay involved with the fair. “I find myself wanting to understand more about the decisions that are being made, how they all fit together, and provide input during the process,” she said.
Erin Perry has been actively involved in the rabbit department, supporting exhibitors and assisting with operations. She also has contributed to various areas across the fairgrounds during the fair and for activities outside of fair week. “My goal is to support the fair’s mission, enhance the experience for participants and visitors, and ensure its long-term sustainability for our community,” she said.
“With a decade of involvement in the Klassy Kids (4-H) program and only over five years of assisting with the annual camping outings at the fairground, I have cultivated a deep passion for fostering agricultural education and community engagement in Wood County,” Richmond said.
Welling talked about her work with the rabbit department for the past eight years. “I updated the structure of the 4-H Rabbit Breed Show to make it more accessible and educational for 4-H members,” she said. “In 2022, I introduced an ARBA show to the fair that differed from previous formats. 4-H members and outside breeders now bring their animals for a one-day double show. This format allows Wood County 4-Hers to compete alongside breeders from other counties and states. As a result, we have increased outside participation from exhibitors and judges while helping our 4-Hers build knowledge and confidence.”
Holly Wensink, who has been a frequent visitor at fair board meetings, was the sixth candidate. “I have said many times, if you want to complain, help be a solution. So, I’d like to be considered for one of the open seats,” she said. “I would like to help start a county-born and raised (beef) show and make it a big deal for the kids. I would like to help with the beef department, the awards and any other areas.”
And while the five open seats were filled during the meeting, two additional seats became open when incumbent members Jessica Nagel and Christopher Shilling submitted their resignations from the board because of changes in their personal lives.
“I’m not worried about filling those other positions,” Perry said. “I think we’ll get some candidates that will step forward and want to fill those as well.”
The two newly vacant positions will be posted on the fair’s social media account in January and applications will be reviewed at the February meeting.
With Nagel’s departure, the board will also seek a director to serve as secretary.
2026 Fair entertainment starts to take shape
Dave Nietz, entertainment committee chair, announced the 2026 fair will feature a rodeo on Friday night of the fair at 7:30 p.m.
The board approved up to $35,000 for the rodeo that will also include a daytime youth clinic.
Nietz also reported the final night of the fair will again feature a demolition derby. A new promoter is planned for this year that promises a lot more vehicles. The board approved up to $15,000 that will be used primarily for purse money for the derby.
After a lengthy and divided discussion, the board approved a contract with fairs.com to handle ticketing for the fair, including grandstand events and camping.
Board President Perry stressed the need to enforce a code of conduct, which is now printed on the back of membership tickets and will be displayed at all gates to ensure a positive environment.
“By purchasing a ticket to come to this event, you’re agreeing to follow the code of conduct and that if you choose not to, there could be consequences for that,” he said, highlighting the board’s commitment to creating a positive and safe environment for all participants and attendees.
“We’ve had various issues over time, but we’re just trying to create an environment that’s a positive environment for all members to come and enjoy. Sometimes people get emotional, maybe over a decision that a judge made, but at the end of the day, we’ve got to do what’s right for all the kids. And we have to create a fair that is equal for all participants, whether that’s a participant that is brand new to showing an animal or a participant that is on the circuit showing nationally.”
Director Craig Coe reported the future of the Beer and Wine Judging at the fair may be in flux. “Three of the major beer competitors (at the 2025 fair) said that it might be their last year, and two of them supply about 90% of the beer. And one gentleman who does about 60% of the wines is also thinking about being done,” he said. “This doesn’t leave much left in both competitions.”
Fair Foundation report
Bob Strow, who represents the fair board on the Wood County Fair Foundation, provided a 2025 foundation report. The Pratt Pavilion hosted 17 public events, including gun shows, BG Chamber of Commerce, Gem Show, Shipshewana and others, and eight private meeting room rentals.
Already scheduled for 2026 are 18 public events in the main area and five in the meeting rooms. “We’ve added two home and building shows this year and we’re working on another,” he said.
Finances for the foundation include outstanding loans totaling $999,818. Annual payments coming due soon total over $136,000. Revenue totaled about $130,000 in 2025, with 2026 revenue currently projected to be $126,200. The foundation’s checking account has $366,000 that is earning 3.13% interest, Strow said.
Fair Director Donald Bechstein was reelected to a new term representing the fair board on the foundation board.
In other business, the board:
- Approved the following expenditures: up to $4,300 for alcohol and the trailer for the Gun Raffle fundraiser on Jan. 24; $2,500 to share in the cost with the Northwestern Ohio Tractor Pullers to have a building at Gate A refurbished by the Penta Career Center construction program; up to $3,500 for a sled for the Wood County Fair Tractor Pull.
- Heard 81 cattle participated in the recent beef weigh-in, which is up by almost 20 head from last year’s numbers.
- Learned that the Farm to Market exhibition was awarded another grant from the Bowling Green Community Foundation. Last year, the new exhibit was awarded over $5,000 from the BG Community Foundation to help with the startup; this year’s BGCF grant is for $1,675.
