GREENVILLE – On August 12, 2026, the Darke County Fairboard announced that the fairgrounds have been closed to the public in response to the overwhelming amount of water on the grounds, in an effort to prevent further damage and to allow the water to recede.
Over the past several days, storms in Darke County have dumped over four inches of rain on the area, resulting in saturated ground, standing water, and flooded runoff areas. With the Great Darke County Fair set to begin next week, this rain event has temporarily paused fair preparations. The Fairboard has asked for the community’s cooperation and patience as they work through this challenge.
Fairboard Director Jayden Hicks explained, “The biggest challenge brought forth by the rain is the halt it puts on outdoor prep for the fair. From placing campers to marking off vendors, setting up barns, and all the in between, this all requires us to be outdoors and, due to areas of flooding, are putting a damper on that prep work that needs done. But we are pushing through, and doing what we can to stay ahead of schedule and ready for the 170th Great Darke County Fair.”
Local community members from the 4-H horse program were given special permission to access the horse arena in order to help mitigate damage to their show arena. While all other livestock species have barns that allow them to show indoors, those who show horses are left at the mercy of the weather. With their arena currently underwater, members of the local Raise the Roof committee sprang into action by digging trenches to help drain the water from the arena.
Raise the Roof is a local group that has spent the past year fundraising to help put a roof over the horse show arena. Committee member Stacy Peters shared her thoughts, saying, “We are so thankful that the Fairboard allowed us access to come out and try to get some water moving. Many of the kids were counting on ride nights this week to get their last practices in before the fair. Once again, a year of hard work is left at the hands of Mother Nature.”
Camper move-in will also be affected. Friday, August 14, was to be the first day for campers to begin their move-in to the fairgrounds; however, that process has also been paused until further notice.
The Fairboard will continue preparations for the fair as the weather allows and asks for the community’s patience and cooperation. The fairgrounds will remain closed until further notice; however, the fair office will be open and accessible through Gate 2. The Fairboard asks that the public refer to its Facebook page and website for updates and avoid calling the fair office when possible.
Director Heidi May remains optimistic, stating, “We are pushing through and doing what we can to stay ahead of schedule and ready for the 170th Great Darke County Fair.”
