Pig prices and camping fees were among the most prominent discussions at the March meeting of the Wood
County Agricultural Society on Thursday. A representative from the Wood County Sheriff’s Office
presented a disaster talk following adjournment.
After a lengthy discussion and multiple votes, the board decided to raise camping fees from $125 to $150
per lot beginning with the 2015 fair. It has been a couple of years since the last raise which was made
before the addition of another day to the fair.
Board members noted, even with the increase, the Wood County Fair is still among the lowest in Ohio for
per day cost of camping. The board also approved a $40 per day fee for both early arrivals and late
departures in the camping area.
As for the pigs, members were informed of current rates and projected rates of acquiring pigs for the
annual "Catch a Pig" contest. Because of swine flu incidents, the cost of pigs has been and
may continue to rise. The board voted to limit the number of pigs to 75 for this year’s event. The first
75 sponsors to volunteer will be this year’s sponsors. Sponsors should be aware the cost is likely to be
higher than in past years.
The entertainment committee is looking at gospel and other church-related groups for appearance on Sunday
during the fair.
The board approved a payment of $4,000 for the fair’s tractor pull in order to add classes to the pull.
The general consensus is that the payment will pay for itself through the increased attendance and pit
passes sold for the extra classes for the pull. To accommodate the new classes, the pulls will start
earlier in the day.
Following the meeting, members listened to Captain Scott Frank of the Wood County Sheriff’s Office who
spoke about preparations and handling of the possibility of an "active shooter" being on the
fairgrounds and how, as the leaders, fair board members should react and handle such a situation. Though
unlikely and not expected, Frank stressed it never is, but those prepared should it occur would be
better served than those not prepared.
"Our challenge is to strike a balance between fear and preparation," Frank said, noting that
everyone, not just the fair board members need to develop a stronger "survival mentality."
He stressed that over recent years the need is to be active and not passive should something occur.
"Doing something is better than doing nothing," Frank said, adding again the need to be active
and attempt to get away from the situation.
He also repeated several times to always keep your hands visible and up with fingers spread so that law
enforcement officials do not mistake you as part of a potential threat.
The next meeting will see the return to the "summer" schedule of 7:30 p.m. meetings. The April
24 meeting will be held in the Junior Fair Building and will include members of the Junior Fair Board.