Thursday’s board meeting of the Wood County Agricultural Society began with a $50,000 donation.
A trustee for the estate of Leonard and Margaret Davis presented the donation to the fair board. The gift
is designated to be used toward the construction of a new building.
Leonard Davis died in 1999; while his wife died last November. The trust did not specify a specific
building, merely that it be used toward a building project of the board’s choice.
As no new construction is on the immediate agenda, the board voted to place the funds into a savings
account until such time as a decision is made.
Over the years, the Davis family had been strong supporters of the fair including at the Junior Livestock
Sale.
While not using those donated funds, the grounds committee through its chairman Steve Thomson, sought and
was granted funding for several projects.
The largest project approved was $20,000 to replace the roof for what is currently known as the Red Roof
Horse barn. While the new roof will be white, it is likely the barn will retain the moniker, at least
for those who have called it that for decades.
The board also approved the purchase of the parts for the hand rails on the grandstand. That project was
priced at nearly $10,000. Both the fair board and the "blue shirts" of the tractor pullers
will provide most of the labor on the project to save funds. Thomson also provided a list of bushes and
trees which needed to be replaced in front of the Administration Building, around the restrooms outside
the grandstand.
It was also noted that the fair board is seeking more donations of trees in honor or in memory of
someone. The tree donation includes the cost of maintenance of the tree as well as a plaque to be placed
at the base of the tree recognizing the donation. The cost is $300 per tree.
Steve Speck reported the beef weigh-in went very well last weekend with 74 dairy feeder head and 80 beef
feeders entered.
"All the weights were good and they looked nice. We should have a real nice show," Speck said.

Collette Dickey reporter the king and queen candidates have been finalized with 30 young women vying for
queen; while 23 guys are running for king. The interviews will be held July 13 at the Wood County Senior
Center.
The board also approved a provision which allows the fair manager and/or the board president to sign a
land/lease management contract to assist in the day to day operations of the Wood County Fair. According
to the fair manager and secretary, Dick King, this was an administrative move to clarify the authority
for such items when the need arises.