GREENVILLE – The Darke County Agricultural Society met on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, for its regular monthly meeting.
Junior Fair Report
Atlanta Moore delivered the Junior Fair report, outlining several community service and outreach projects. The Junior Fair Board will host a Free Gift Wrapping Day for community members on December 6, starting at 9:30 a.m., complete with snacks. Afterward, they’ll deliver Christmas cards to residents at the Brethren’s Home.
Moore also introduced a new initiative, the Showmen’s Closet, which will allow people to donate show clothing and equipment to help fellow exhibitors in need. She added that the Junior Fair Board recently elected a new officer team and is looking forward to the year ahead.
Entry Fee Discussion
Heidi May presented proposed adjustments to entry fees. Werner mentioned that Russ Skaggs would be meeting with the pony exhibitors to discuss concerns over fees being too low. Werner noted that while she personally believes an adjustment is needed, the decision ultimately rests with Skaggs and the committee. Jayden Hicks moved to table the discussion until more details were available, with Curtis Yount seconding. The motion passed.
Admission and Pass Prices
The board then discussed admission rates and pass options for the 2026 Fair. Craig Bowman proposed setting admission at $7 on weekends (Friday–Sunday) and $5 on weekdays, maintaining free admission until 3 p.m. on Thursday. Bowman moved to approve, with Apollo Perez seconding.
Dean Neff suggested asking vendors to consider offering discounted items on “Free Till 3” on Thursday, a practice previously done in years past. The board agreed it would be worth revisiting.
Weekly passes will remain at $25 until July 31 and $30 beginning August 1 through Fair week, per a motion by Hicks and Yount, which passed. Anniversary passes will remain unchanged.
Property Purchase
Bowman announced that the Agricultural Society will purchase the Riegle property off State Route 121 for $275,000. He moved to approve the purchase, and the motion carried.
Board Transitions and Officer Elections
Following the old business, outgoing member Apollo Perez was recognized and thanked for his service. He expressed gratitude to the board for their support and mentorship and received a round of applause.
Three members — Craig Bowman, Heidi May, and Dean Neff — were re-elected to the board. Glen Moore was welcomed as a new board member and invited to take his seat. All members were sworn in by a judge prior to the meeting.
The board then held officer elections for the 2025–2026 term:
Candidates nominated for president include:
Marla Werner
Greg Pearson
Candidates nominated for Vice President include:
Jayden Hicks
Dean Neff
Candidates for treasurer include:
Christoph Keller
Curtis Yount
Craig Bowman
The 2025-2026 Darke County Ag Society officers are as follows:
President: Marla Werner
Vice President: Jayden Hicks
Treasurer: Christoph Keller
Veterinary Contract
Preston Deeter presented a new veterinary contract on behalf of Western Ohio Veterinary Services, explaining that he is no longer affiliated with Bruns Animal Clinic, which had held the previous agreement. Hicks moved and Dave Singer seconded to approve Western Ohio Veterinary Services as the official fair veterinarian for 2026. The motion passed.
Harness Racing Proposal
Jim Buchy addressed the board regarding harness horse racing at the Fair. Buchy explained that the Fair’s reduction to three race days limits the harness racings growth and prestige.
He requested the board restore four full nights of racing — Wednesday and Thursday for Parshall races, and Friday and Saturday for two- and three-year-old divisions — and commit to this schedule for three years. Buchy also outlined plans to expand purses and special events around the races.
Board members discussed the proposal, with Hicks and Yount noting the need for further review due to scheduling impacts. Werner agreed, citing existing grandstand plans. Yount moved to table the matter and hold a work session on November 12, seconded by Singer. Motion passed.
Junior Fair Coordinator Contract
Werner proposed extending Betsy Pettijean’s contract as Junior Fair Coordinator for another year. The motion by Bowman and Moore passed.
The next regular meeting of the Darke County Agricultural Society is scheduled for December 3, 2025, at the Secretary’s Office on the fairgrounds.
