GREENVILLE – The Darke County Fair Board held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 1, 2025, covering a wide range of topics from manure removal and barn upkeep to motorcycle races and office hours.
Community Concerns
Community member and dairy enthusiast Barb Fletcher addressed the board regarding two concerns raised at previous meetings.
Her first item was the manure removal process. Fletcher emphasized that many local farmers could use manure on their fields and noted that the fair already has equipment available to load it. All that’s needed is for farmers to haul it away. Calling it a “win-win situation,” Fletcher suggested the arrangement would benefit both farmers and the fair. She also pointed out that other companies may be willing to collect it as well.
On the second issue, Fletcher expressed concern over increased rent for the racehorse barns. She calculated the new costs, which were intended to go toward barn upkeep, and asked whether the funds were being used as promised.
Fair Board President Marla Werner responded that the upkeep is extensive, mentioning damaged stall mats and other ongoing repairs. Community member Tim Reck added that he had secured sponsorships and that funds were being invested in renovations such as new stalls, posts, and mats. He also noted that the contract has been updated so that if a horse damages a stall, the horse owner is responsible for repairs.
Fletcher asked about additional expenses, and Werner listed water, electric, trash removal, track and drain maintenance, fuel, and equipment upkeep. She added that the fair’s water bill has tripled in recent years.
Board member Dean Neff noted that straw in the manure can cause thistles in farm fields, raising concerns for farmers. Others pointed out that sawdust, while less invasive, can be toxic to soil. Werner concluded by thanking Fletcher for her suggestions, stating the idea deserves further exploration.
Later in the evening, Reck revisited the issue, reporting that water leaks across the fairgrounds are contributing to costs. He noted the water meter at the horse barns is not functioning, making it difficult to fairly allocate usage costs. Hicks recommended researching how other fairs handle water costs, and Neff agreed, saying the idea had been raised before. The board acknowledged that installing water meters would help, though the expense has been prohibitive.
Junior Fair Report
Junior Fair Coordinator Betsy presented entry numbers for 2025:
Beef: 192
Dairy: 328
Equine: 1071
Goats: 325
Guinea pigs: 5
Poultry: 491
Rabbits: 574
Sheep: 459
Cats: 6
Swine: 441
Dogs: 71
She also raised concerns about excess truck and trailer traffic during the Celebration of Achievements. Heidi May said this issue was brought to her attention and they are considering closing Gate 4 during the event to prevent the issue in the future.
Looking ahead, 2026 fair entries will be due on Monday, July 20, 2026, with a late grace period until Friday for an additional $100 fee. This applies to both Junior Fair and Open Class entries.
Motorcycle Races
Melissa Brawley, who organizes the motorcycle races, requested confirmation that the event would return for 2026. The board unanimously agreed, scheduling it for the second Friday of the fair. Practice will begin at noon, with the main event starting at 6 p.m.
Brawley raised concerns about sound issues at this year’s event, which Werner promised would be addressed. Safety issues involving track personnel were also discussed and will be corrected for future races. The 2025 event drew 174 riders from four different countries.
Other Business
The board approved new office hours, effective until March 1, 2026:
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Thursday: 1–6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Saturday: By arrangement with the fair secretary
Sunday: Closed
Next, Craig Bowman threw out an idea and a motion was made that a $100 deposit per stall will now be required for new racehorse boarders paying monthly, protecting the fair if stalls are damaged or abandoned mid-month.
After that, Heidi motioned for a new policy to be adopted for barn secretaries, requiring them to set up barns 10 days before the fair and clean up within 10 days after. Payment will not be issued until responsibilities are completed.
Executive Session & Personnel
After an executive session, the board offered Heidi May the position of Fair Secretary full-time beginning November 1, 2025, with a three-year contract at a salary of $55,000 per year, subject to cost-of-living raises and quarterly evaluations. May will notify the board of her decision by Saturday.
