By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
The Wood County Fair Board at its recent meeting affirmed its policy that vendors at the 2023 Fair will not be allowed to display controversial items such as Confederate flags.
Fair Board President Kyle Culp met with members of the Bowling Green Not In Our Town (NIOT) recently to discuss their focus on reimagining a safe and inclusive Bowling Green. During the fair board meeting, he reported that NIOT members asked that the fair not allow vendors to display Confederate flag items for sale during the fair.
NIOT had received a couple of complaints during last year’s fair that there were Confederate flags and related merchandise on display and being sold which made those visitors feel unsafe or unwelcome. Those complaints were brought to the attention of fair officials at that time, and the situation was handled based on the policy of the board. NIOT reached out in advance of this year’s fair requesting the board to be proactive with its policy by providing information to vendors in advance.
Culp said as vendor packets are distributed, detailed information will be included about the board’s policy that offensive materials, including representations of the Confederate flag, will not be allowed to be displayed. Culp explained to NIOT that fair board members do not have the time or resources during the fair to check the booths daily. NIOT members said they would work with the fair board to regularly check the commercial exhibits and bring them to the proper authorities to handle.
In other business, the board agreed to establish a memorial for longtime fair auctioneer William “Billy” Davies, who passed away on March 18, 2023.
More than $3,100 has been donated to the fair in memory of Davies, whose life of service included, not only as an auctioneer for the junior fair livestock and baked goods auctions at the fair but also as a former Portage Township trustee, past president of the Wood County Beef Producers, past director of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, a member of the Northwest Water Sewer District Board and an active member of Cloverdale United Methodist Church. A committee of Josh Nutter, Bob Strow and Kip McDowell was established to investigate the options, such as a new auction block.
Expenditures were approved for:
- Hiring an appraiser to get updated appraisals for the buildings on the fairgrounds
- Advertising the fair on billboards and social media
- Grass seed for several locations on the fairgrounds
- LED lights for the championship barn, with plans to
- A 10 x 20 tent for use during infield events during the fair.
