By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
The Wood County Fair Board approved contracts totaling over $26,000 to ensure the grounds are safe and secure during the week of the fair July 27-Aug. 3.
The Wood County Sheriff’s Office will be on the fairgrounds for the entire week of the fair plus two extra nights covering the campgrounds, said Safety and Security Committee member Nick Hannan. The contract with the sheriff’s office totals $18,530, which includes $13,530 for the deputies’ time, $3,700 for auxiliary members and $1,300.
Wood County Firefighters Association provides fire protection during the fair. The board approved the firefighters’ contract for $4,000.
Wood County Hospital provides an emergency squad for daily coverage and special event coverage. The board approved the hospital contract for $4,200, which includes $1,800 for special events and $2,400 for the daily squad.
Other expenses approved for this year’s fair included:
- Up to $5,500 for pigs to be used in the Catch a Pig Contest
- Costs to cover removal of Amplex wires and poles prior to the fair.
- Up to $1,500 for awards for the cheerleading competition.
- $200 for stump removal in the south parking lot and near the rabbit barn (the former champion barn).
Bloom elected board treasurer
Wood County Fair Director Kalen Bloom of Middleton Township was elected by acclimation to serve as fair board treasurer. He will fill the position that was left vacant in May after former Treasurer Kathy Thomas resigned citing a hostile and toxic work environment.
Because the start of the fair is less than a month away, the executive committee chose not to advertise the position, but instead to seek someone from the board.
“We’re going to need a treasurer going into fair,” said Tony Violi, second vice president. “I think we should at least offer it to the board before it goes out to someone else, and if somebody’s willing to take it from the board then we should go that route.”
Bloom was the only fair board director who indicated an interest in the position. He was sworn in by Fair Manager Laura Westgate.
Farm to Market project going strong
The Farm to Market exhibit that is new to the fair this year continues to reap the support of local organizations and the community, reported Fair Director Deanne Corken. The Bowling Green Kiwanis Club agreed to provide $1,000 to sponsor two toy tractors for the project after Corken and her sister Dawn Anderson talked at a club meeting.
“There’s been so much positive support and people saying they are looking forward for that,” Corken said.
More than $40,000 in sponsorships have been committed, plus K&K Construction has donated the concrete for the grain bin pad, which was added this week. The fair maintenance crew has been adding paths and electricity for the tractor wash, she said.
The animal cutouts, large signs and wooden planters will be added to the area as well. Corken is still looking for volunteers to help staff the exhibit.
Junior fair exhibitors register animal projects
Wood County Junior Fair Coordinator Julie Hannan reported that junior fair livestock entries on the online portal were completed on June 1. A total of 499 exhibitors registered 3,031 animal projects.
During the recent Rabbit I.D. Day, a total of 228 rabbits were registered, she said. “We are working on a layout for the new barn, but I think it will be much better. There will be less dust, and it will allow the poultry projects to be spread out more” in the barn that previously housed both poultry and rabbits.”
Poultry, rabbit clinics planned
Two clinics are scheduled to help junior fair members learn basic techniques for showing poultry and waterfowl and rabbits.
The poultry/waterfowl clinic is July 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the poultry barn. The clinic is hosted by the Senior Fair Board Poultry Committee and led by the Junior Fair Board Poultry Committee.
The rabbit clinic is July 17 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the new rabbit barn, formerly the championship barn. Junior fair members can learn how to show a rabbit at the fair, get their questions answered and leave feeling more confident and prepared for show day.
The Historical Society of Weston plans to clean up the Weston Depot and paint the caboose on the fairgrounds. They hope to host a Weston Depot Day one day during the fair. Eventually, they intend to move the depot back to the village, but that is a long-term goal.
The Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities is excited about the day of inclusion at the fair, reported John Nissen, first vice president who oversaw the meeting in President Paul Perry’s absence. “Let Your Abilities Shine” is Thursday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The day includes interactive activities a petting zoo, balloon magic with Sheriff Stretch, a friendly fair ride experience, sensory room, universal changing unit and communication boards. The day also includes the Ring of Dreams Livestock Show at 5 p.m. in the Pratt Pavilion, where individuals with developmental disabilities are paired with junior fair members to show animals.
4th of July Camping
Fairgrounds camping for the 4th of July weekend starts today with move in and runs through July 6, Violi said. Cost is $50 per night which includes camping, and family-friendly activities. Call the fair office for more information at 419-352-0441. Activities include:
- July 3: Water slide from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., bike decorating at 2 p.m., bike parade at 3 p.m. and Bowling Green’s Big Boom festivities and fireworks start at 4 p.m.
- July 4: Arts and crafts at 10 a.m., water games in the afternoon, cookout (food provided, bring drinks) at 5 p.m., trolley ride to Frosty Fare at 7 p.m., glo party to follow.
- July 5: Arts and crafts at 10 a.m., slime obstacle course, water balloons and games during the afternoon, and trivia night at 7 p.m.
- July 6: Move out by 2 p.m.
