Some fair tickets could include fees
WAPAKONETA — While admission prices remain the same, some Auglaize County Fair-goers will pay a little bit more this year to enter the grounds.
Fair officials already announced fair tickets are available digitally this year; that digital convenience comes with a service fee.
During the fair board meeting Monday, members heard there will be a service fee attached to season tickets. Those paying via credit card online will see a $4 fee, while those paying in cash at the gate will see a $3 fee attached to the cost. Auglaize County Fair Manager Ed Doenges explained the fees pay for a barcode that can be scanned all week long.
Regular $8 daily tickets will not have a fee at the gate.
Also on Tuesday, Doenges informed board members the Junior Fair Board will be participating in the Farm Credit Mid America Stock the Trailer program during fair week. The program will be collecting non-perishable food items to fill a trailer during the week of the fair. Items collected will be distributed to local food pantries.
The top participating counties, based on pounds collected, will receive additional cash prizes towards their organizations.
Doenges said he got a call from Crystal Steiner to add an Americas Beauty and Grace pageant during fair week. It would take place in the Junior Fair building Wednesday night of the fair at 6 p.m.
Those who are infants up to 11 years old can participate.
Doenges has had discussions with a ride company about connecting to the fair ground’s electricity to avoid using gas generators due to the price of gas. Doenges and fair board President Steve Bushman plan to look for designated spaces to plug in.
Doenges is contemplating rental increases as building rentals are getting booked further and further out. Fair officials also have to plan those rentals with anticipated Piehl Arena restroom construction. The ground breaking for the Piehl Arena is scheduled for just after this year’s county fair. Baumer Construction is taking on the project. They are also working on a feasibility study involving a dedicated space for the Auglaize Veterans Service Commission programs.
Camping spots are also
anticipated to fill up at the fairgrounds in 2024 for the solar eclipse and Doenges wants to capitalize on the opportunity to fill over a 100 camping spots that April. Water access at that time will be weather dependent.
Board members approved replacing overhead door in the fruit hall for $1,250. They are also exploring replacing an over head door in the fine arts building. Doenges had also reviewed painting and lighting needs for billboards; they plan to try tape lighting to brighten up billboards.
Bushman said they received a notice from the Ohio Department of Agriculture that the fair boards would no longer be included under the state agency’s umbrella 501C3 umbrella. Treasurer Dennis Dicke informed the board they were aware of this change about three years ago and it doesn’t apply to their organization at this point.
Fair board officials are also debating how many members to send to an international fair expo in Indianapolis. Half of the board members showed interest, but hotel rentals and registration fees have yet to be factored in.