By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
The number of livestock entries by Wood County Junior Fair members appears to be on the rise. As numbers increase, providing enough space for the animals during the fair becomes an issue.
At the recent beef weigh-in, which went smoothly, a total of 144 feeder calves were registered and weighed, Julie Hannan, junior fair coordinator, reported during the Wood County Fair Board meeting Thursday night. There were 84 beef feeders and 60 dairy feeders (44 dairy beef and 16 crossbred dairy), she said.
“There has been some discussion about space and what we are going to do with all of these,” Hannan said. “We know that we are growing. That’s a great problem to have, but space is always kind of an issue.”
Currently there are more than 1,200 entries registered. Last year’s junior fair had more than 3,000 entries. “While we are not quite at a half of last year’s numbers, the remainder will probably come in over the next week and a half.”
With nearly every species seeing increases, she recommended that fair directors start to look at the numbers and the spaces to determine if they need to shift spaces and if there are opportunities to move things around.
“Keep in mind what we are going to do if we continue to grow,” Hannan said. “We’re just going to have to keep dealing with the issue of space and what we do with animals.”
Fair Manager Laura Westgate asked directors to let her know as soon as possible if she needs to order any additional tents to accommodate livestock pens. Currently, the goat department is the only livestock species that uses a tent for additional animals.
Hannan also reported there had been a few complaints about the mandatory ID day. Some families wondered why they changed from voluntary to mandatory. She said it had been a mutual decision among department heads.
“It worked really well to have them come and ID,” she said. They used the new wands to help with the process. People were in and out in a timely fashion—144 animals in two hours. “It was easy to make sure the numbers matched and move on.”
Fair Director Bob Strow commended Hannan and Conni Grames for the efficiency of the weigh in. “For the last 20 years, as a participant or part of a department, it went the quickest and fastest that I’ve ever been involved in by not having to take stuff off the trailer. I think it’s a good practice that we need to do,” he said.
Some of the issues were that families wanted to add their animals’ pictures or their EID numbers. The problem with that is there is no way to confirm that the EID number provided is the animal they are exhibiting. “We had some people questioning if others were cheating,” she said. “We’re doing the best we can but if you hear rumblings, send them to me. We’re trying to do what’s best for the group.”
Fair Director Tony Violi reported once entries close for junior fair livestock, he will hold a meeting for rabbit exhibitors “to figure out a plan for the new space in the building,” the former champion barn.
Kathy Thomas resigns
In a surprise announcement, Fair Treasurer Kathy Thomas turned in her resignation, citing a “hostile and toxic work environment.”
She told the board she felt bullied for the work she did on the agricultural society’s finances. The board had voted on her to be treasurer “to provide accurate financial records. It’s a title I have fulfilled with great pride,” she said. “After careful consideration, I’ve decided that it is in my best interest to step down from my position as Treasurer and office secretary, effective immediately.”
She felt she and the office staff worked well together, made a great team and got the work done that needed to get done, “but some members of the board have placed personal feelings above performance.”
Before she left the meeting, Thomas apologized to the office staff if her resignation placed burdens on them, but the environment had become a struggle for her.
The board accepted her resignation and later went into executive session to discuss how to move forward. They voted to appoint Laura Westgate interim treasurer with President Paul Perry as an oversight for that position until they come up with the permanent solution.
Memorial Weekend camping and horse show canceled
The fair decided to cancel the camping event planned this weekend for Memorial Day weekend. The grounds are under water, with more rain forecasted for the weekend.
The board will regroup about the annual event since Mother Nature has not cooperated for that weekend in the past few years.
The horse show that was scheduled for the weekend also has been canceled due to the wet grounds and expected rain.
Fair Director Jessica Nagel reported plans for fair advertising are starting to take shape. She is working with Lamar on billboard placement. The company “cut us a pretty good deal enough that we could get an extra billboard for the same price that we paid in the past,” she said.
She has started working with WTOL on digital advertising. She indicated there will be more digital streaming ads than television ads, reaching a different target base, “especially with the monster trucks this year.”
A new effort with social media promotions has not significantly increased the number of hits. Instead of being mostly regular fair followers, “We are starting to reach a little bit different audience, but it’s going to take a little more time,” she said.
In other business, the board:
- Heard the Northwest Ohio Showdown Truck Show organizers were happy with the last-minute move to Wood County from Lucas County. They plan to discuss booking other possible events on the Wood County Fairgrounds, and work with the BG 4X4Fest.
- Approved expenditures for up to $500 to expand the parking area approximately 25 feet for the Fraternal Order of Police building and $3,000 to rent golf carts from Welch’s Golf Carts for the grounds and office staff to use for three months..
- Agreed to purchase stone signage to include in the Winner’s Circle to thank K&K Construction for their donations and to acknowledge the National Tractor Pull/Northwestern Ohio Tractor Pull Association, and the Wood County Senior and. Junior Fair.
- Learned the fair has contracted with Legacy Veterinary Solutions and Dr. Casey Skowron for veterinary services during the fair.
