GREENVILLE – The Darke County Fairboard held its regularly scheduled meeting on February 4, 2026. All directors were in attendance, and the guest seating was full.
President Marla Werner asked for any non-agenda items from guests to be heard and opened the floor to them. Tim Reck brought forth a list of issues concerning the racehorse barns. Reck asked for action and clarification concerning the renovation project, the locking of unused stalls, stall mats, and dirt concerns. Reck was unsatisfied with the responses to his concerns, and Director Hicks stepped aside to talk to Reck and assure him that he is invested in finding solutions.
Another issue brought to the board by guests was a concern over community chatter about the Fairboard possibly requiring Jr. Fair members to complete some sort of community service in order to receive their free fair pass. President Werner explained that this was something that was presented to the Jr. Fairboard, which they voted down.
She explained that it has been informally discussed as an idea, but they have not moved to do anything at this time. Several guests, including two Jr Fairboard members, expressed their opinions on the subject. Individuals on both sides of the issue spoke and the Fairboard responded that they would take all that was said into consideration if they decide to pursue this idea.
The Fairboard then moved on to the agenda items. Jr. Fair Coordinator Petitjean brought a request from the sale committee concerning sale checks that are not cashed in a timely manner and sale fees. The board voted to approve their request. Secretary May passed out the maintenance report, reported that the fair book is almost complete, and said that fair concert performer, Dylan Scott, has been announced to the public and they have received positive feedback from the community.
A list of contracts, both paying and gratis, was heard and all were approved except for one that requires some additional information to be obtained.
Committee reports were heard, during which director Neff brought forth a proposal to add fans to the Beef Pavilion. The Dairy and Beef committees are both working on this and would like the board’s approval to move forward with fundraising for this project.
Discussion followed over logistics and the board stated that they would be okay with them doing something, but they want to make sure that it is the right project. The board asks the committee to continue to work on getting the details of this project.
Director Yount reported that he is also working on ventilation solutions for the hog barn and updated the board on what he has learned on this front.
Director Hicks reported that the website is up to date. He brought a request from the Darke County Harness Horsemen’s Association for a donation of 1 stall for the year for the DCHHA banquet. The Fairboard has donated this in past years and voted to do so again.
In old business, department secretaries were approved, except for the Fine Art department, which remains open. Gates updates are still under review. The board discussed their recent participation in the Ohio Fair Managers’ Association (OFMA) Convention and each member who attended shared highlights.
The convention provided education and insight, including vendor options, fair layouts, social media strategies, entertainment options, livestock tagging options, and financial insights, including the audit process. Directors shared that it was enlightening to learn what other fairs do and how they do it. The Darke County Fair Queen participated in the Queens Contest and President Werner expressed that it was a great experience.
President Werner also announced that the OFMA Convention received multiple awards and a Darke County couple was the winner of one of these awards. Mike and Linda Farmer were recognized as Outstanding Fair Supporter. The Fairboard nominated them because of their longstanding dedication to the agricultural society. They have contributed by serving on various committees, assisting in the office, and consistently offering their help whenever needed.
In new business, Director Yount was elected to fill the office of Treasurer, snow removal was discussed, and the board approved offering a one-year contract to Ted Finnarn to act as their legal counsel.
The board met in executive session and at the conclusion of the session, they voted unanimously to approve appointing Apollo Perez to fill the open seat on the board. Perez will remain on the board through the current term, at which time the seat will be filled at the annual election. This decision was made in accordance with the Board’s Constitution, which Marla read from to inform everyone of the guidelines that were followed.
The next regular meeting of the Fairboard is scheduled for March 4, 2026, at 7:00 pm.
