DARKE COUNTY – The directors of The Darke County Fair Board held a work session and special meeting on March 11, 2026 to address several items that required additional discussion and consideration.
One topic of discussion involved the compensation for fair judges. The board had hoped to establish a greater consistency in how judges are paid, including mileage and accommodations. However, after discussion, they found this would be difficult to implement. Instead, they agreed to setting a budget for the judges while allowing each department to continue managing the hiring of judges provided, they remain in the given budget.
The board voted and approved the purchase of three gate buildings at a cost of $700 total and they began reviewing options for the towing contract for fair week.
Directors addressed the Horsemen’s request for parking passes for fair week. The board decided to allot three free passes per contract and allow the contract holder to purchase an additional two passes for $5 each.
Grandstand pricing was discussed and approved. The fair website has been updated with the following new ticket prices:
Rodeo: 8/22
General Admission – $20
Concert: Dylan Scott – 8/23
VIP (Standing) – $60
Track (Standing) – $45
Grandstand/Bleachers – $40
Tractor Pulls: 8/24
Grandstand – $15
Track – $15
Infield – $20
Tractor Pulls: 8/25
Grandstand – $15
Track – $15
Infield – $20
Motorcycle Races: 8/28
General Admission – $10
Pits – $20
Demo Derby: 8/29
Grandstand – $15
Pits – $25
Track – $25
Children 3 and under, FREE
Directors also worked on the continuing project of updating their policies. This was last updated in 2009 and is in need of updating and additions.
The board also discussed the decision that was made at their regular March meeting regarding the rescheduling of the Monday evening band concert. At that meeting, the board voted to move the Tuesday night tractor pulls to Monday night, which would then shift the band concert to earlier in the day on Monday. Board members acknowledged that the decision has drawn criticism and they heard feedback from several of those affected by the schedule change. The board plans to continue working on this issue and hopes to reach a suitable resolution at its April meeting.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is set for April 1, 2026.
