Members of the Senior Fair Board met Thursday night as plans for this year’s Wood County Fair are all
falling into place.
A new employee, Becky Dippman, recorded the minutes of the meeting in her role as a secretary for the
board and the fairgrounds. Current secretary, Joanne Spoerl was on hand, as well.
There was some discussion regarding the painting of barns on the fairgrounds. It was noted that the
long-standing policy requires the outside of barns to be painted white. However, there was some question
as to the rules and regulations regarding the paint color for the inside of barns.
As some 4-H groups have different colors which identify their group, the board wants to assure that there
won’t be a lot of repainting done inside the barns. To remove any doubt, the board voted that the inside
of all barns being painted must also be white unless special permission is given.
The board also approved securing an additional tent to be placed in front of the goat barn during the
fair to be used to show both the goats and dairy events.
Donald Bechstein, chairman of the grounds committee, said most of the work and improvements to the Junior
Fair Building have been completed. He also sought and received approval from the board to make some
final electrical improvements to the campgrounds prior to the arrival next month of the motor coach
group.
Bechstein also said he has received word that the Northwest Ohio Woodworker’s Guild is willing to donate
some funds for improvements to the Fine Arts Building.
The board has often discussed desperately needed repair and improvements to that building. At least some
cosmetic improvements may be done before this year’s fair, with the hope of having all projects related
to the building complete by the 2010 fair.
Nomination petitions were made available to those who will seeking election to the board. Eight township
positions and one at-large seat are up for election this year.
According to the Wood County Agriculture Society constitution, the election is open to any member of the
organization.
However, for those who wish to serve as a representative for one of the township seats, they must be a
resident of that location. Complete details and regulations are available in the "Fair Book"
which was published earlier this month or at the fair office.
Terms are three years for each of the offices. This year Garry Aller’s at-large seat is up for election.
Other terms expiring this year include the Plain Township seat currently held by Glenn Bechstein; Center
Township, Dale Brown; Henry Township, Roger Swope; Weston Township Krysteena Brown; Liberty Township,
Rod Lucas; Lake Township, David Nietz; Perrysburg Township, Jobe McMillin; and Bloom Township, Michael
Trout.
Trout was appointed to serve for one year to fill the unexpired term of Brad Dorman, who resigned due to
moving out of the area. That seat will be for the two years remaining, with the others to serve
three-year terms.
The board also heard that the recent visit by cyclists involved with the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure
seemed very pleased with the facilities at the fairgrounds where many of them stayed. The board was also
pleased with the visitors and reported no problems with how the fairgrounds were left following the
visit.
Spoerl reported on the absence of three members due to their current stay in various hospitals.
The July meeting will be held during the visit of the motor coach association, so the Junior Fair
Building will not be available for the joint meeting with the Junior Fair Board. Thus, that meeting will
be held in the Home and Garden World building on July 23 at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m. the regular board meeting
will be held, likely back in the Administration Building.
The board went into an executive session to discuss personnel matters at the conclusion of the meeting.
No action was taken following the session.