DARKE COUNTY – The Senior Fairboard held a special meeting on July 15, 2026 at 7 p.m. with all directors in attendance. The agenda was limited to fair preparations and maintenance updates. Despite the short list of agenda items, the public comment portion of the meeting featured lively discussions.
Tom Baker, president of the Harness Horse Association, reported on the updates that have been completed and those currently in process on the racehorse barns. He detailed the progress on the stalls, including dirt work and mat installation. He estimated the work is 95 percent completed and that all open stalls will be ready in time for the fair. Director Heidi May was credited for her significant assistance with the project.
A small group of attendees came to the meeting to address their strong opposition to the golf cart fee that was enforced over the Fourth of July weekend. The board referenced minutes from the May 2021 meeting showing when the current fee of $25 per day was approved following a motion by Tommy Shaw and a second by Dave Singer. The current rule requires drivers to have a license, proof of insurance and be at least 16 years of age.
Those who came to air their grievances explained that the rules and fees were not posted on the camping envelopes, website, or registration material. The fee does appear on the Fairboard’s rate sheet, but the document was not readily accessible to campers and had not been enforced in prior years, leaving them unprepared and unaware until the issue arose. Emotions ran high as they expressed their frustration, saying that the manner in which it was enforced felt coercive and unnecessary. President Warner called for order several times throughout the discussion as tensions rose. The board acknowledged that the rule was not properly publicized; however, members stood behind the enforcement of the fee and committed to updating their publications to better clarify the policy moving forward.
A committee member from the grassroots community group Raise the Roof provided an update on the group’s progress on the project to construct a covered equine arena. The total raised for the project now stands at just over $75,000, with several fundraisers upcoming. The group is in the process of obtaining construction estimates from multiple builders. The initial goal is to fund a 120 x 230 clear-span metal building, with specifications that will allow for future expansions as funding permits. The group is also working on corporate sponsorship packets and hopes to bring them to the board for approval soon. Additionally, the group also plans to begin pursuing grant opportunities.
Also discussed during public comment was the need for grandstand tickets and gate workers. Jody Neff coordinates these workers and is in need of additional help during fair week. It was also reported that the dog committee has purchased air purifiers for the Community Center to improve air quality and assist with the cleaning and joint use of this facility.
The board then moved on to the agenda items, discussing fair preparations. It was noted that weekly fair passes continue to be available at a discounted rate of $25 through the end of July, after which the price will increase to $30. Discounted ride passes are also available through the end of July or while supplies last.
The board congratulated the newly crowned Junior Fair royalty, Fair Queen Shawna Schmitmeyer and Fair King Bryce Watson.
Director Jayden Hicks informed the board that the city has plans for a future Sweitzer Street road project that will disrupt traffic and the area between Eidson Road and Birt Street. The project is scheduled to run from February 2028 to October 2028, a timeline that includes the fair week of that year. The board voted to appoint Heidi May as liaison for the project to help with communication and coordination.
The Directors gave updates on equipment maintenance for several tractors and mowers. They also discussed the rental property and noted that it will be ready for occupancy soon. A potential arrangement allowing a local farmer to use part of the south end fields for hay was discussed as a way to reduce the burden of mowing that area. Repairs to the sound system are also underway.
The board entered executive session and, following the brief session, adjourned with no further information discussed and no action taken.
The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 5, 2026 at 7 p.m.
