DARKE COUNTY – The Darke County Agricultural Society Board of Directors met Wednesday evening during their monthly meeting.
Tim Reck spoke to the board regarding the condition of the racehorse track year-round and the idea of opening up an account to be used only for upkeep purposes for the racehorse barns and track with more funds.
Director Marla Werner shared that $10,000 is budgeted every year for the horsemen and that they will wait for a later date to be provided with updates before they change the budget.
Jana Deeter spoke during Public Comment as well. She shared the idea of having a 127 Garage Sale Event set up with the board in August. Members of the board explained the complications that come with it, however, due to the proximity of the fair and other events that are hosted at the fairgrounds in August.
Mercedes McFarland, 4-H Youth Development Educator, provided an update. She expressed her appreciation to the board for allowing the Darke County 4-H Committee to use the new building for the 2025 Spring Kickoff, which was a shared success. She shared that many board members were present to support the kids as well.
Director Marla Werner provided a Poultry Update in regards to the Bird Flu that has landed Darke and neighboring Mercer County in a State of Emergency.
“There has not been another outbreak since February 21st. I do see where there have been bird flu cases in states next to us in Indiana and another in Mercer County on February 26th. There have been no other animals who have been tested for it.”
She also shared that there will be a public statement written and shared with the public regarding 4-H and the Junior Fair to share where the board stands and the decision regarding the 2025 Fair.
The Darke County Agricultural Society Board also approved bumping up their level with the Darke County Chamber of Commerce for $500.
Board members also discussed themes and a slogan for the 2025 Fair, including” It’s a Great Day To Be Alive At The Great Darke County Fair” & “Celebrating Outstanding Achievements Of Our Youth.”
The 2026 Great Darke County Fair Theme will be “Together We Can.”
The Darke County Agricultural Society Board of Directors will hold its next regular monthly meeting on April 2, 2025, at 7:00 pm.
