Board members discuss 2021 fair format

WAPAKONETA — Partially terminal fairs are back on the table for discussion in Auglaize County.

Mitchell Bambauer of New Knoxville pitched the idea to the fair board Monday during its last meeting of the calendar year. The idea was put on the back burner earlier, however, the sale committee voted unanimously at its last meeting to recommend it to the fair board.

“A lot of people want to take their animals home,” Bambauer said.

Partially terminal fairs or shows are defined by the Ohio Department of Agriculture as ones where, “at least the grand champion and reserve grand champion shall be slaughtered.” This definition applies to six show classes: Market beef steer, market hog, market lamb, market dairy steer, veal calf and market goat.

Fair Manager Ed Doenges said even the veterinarian the fair works with thinks a partially terminal fair would be beneficial, if only to manage packing.

Although senior fair board members appeared in agreement, Doenges said their intent was to wait until the Junior Fair board was able to meet and share its opinion.

“They need to make this decision before we do,” he said.

Bambauer suggested they remove the animals late in the evening or early in the morning during a designated time period, such as from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. before packers arrive. He said the board could take simple steps to have things on paper and stick to their guns.

“You might have a good animal that you want to show at a later show,” Bambauer said. “It’s good for the exhibitor. Anytime you help a kid do more with their family and show more livestock is a good thing.”

The partially terminal fair is expected to increase competition and encourage people to bring quality animals they might have left at home.

Following the discussion about a partially terminal fair, conversation turned to financial matters.

Doenges said building rentals decreased significantly from the fair’s projected income of $65,000 as it brought in only $ 44,000.

However, winter storage increased by 24 units and profit there increased from $ 49,000 to $52,000. The fair remains financially stable and plans to open bids for an electronic messaging sign project on Dec. 29.

Board members also approved a 3% price increase on a prior quote for painting the current sign; that new price is $6,510.

Discussion also focused on replacing doors on the Junior Fair building at a cost of $ 9,000, which t he Junior Fair Boosters would help support.

Sale committee members voted to hire Doug Wilker be the treasurer of that committee at $2,000 a year. Doenges said the position was beyond the normal responsibilities of a volunteer as the sale committee is in charge of handling auction money, which amounts to roughly $500,000 during the course of the fair.