Fair Board selects new directors, recaps events

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Ten directors were elected for terms on the Putnam County Fair Board during its annual pitch-in dinner meeting Monday at the Fairgrounds.

A recap of the 2006 county fair by board president Ken Heeke recounted the numerous upgrades to the property and the programs, including the expansion of the grounds through a property purchase, additional camping sites and electrical hookups, as well as a new public address system in the Exhibit Hall.

In one brief item of business, the board agreed to sanction a 4-H fundraising event. The Horse and Pony Club will have its second annual Haunted Barn from 7:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 in the horse barn at the fairgrounds. Admission is $2, with children age 6 and under admitted free.

Elected as directors for the Fair Board were Ed Sheldon of Franklin Township, Jeff Coffman of Jackson Township, Ken Heeke of Madison Township, My Gilley of Marion Township, Jim Hilburn of Monroe Township, and Rick Sutherland of Warren Township for two-year terms, and at-large directors Gene Grable, Al Harwood, Gerald Edwards and Bob Farrow for one-year terms.

Also, the participants in the various barns selected superintendents for 2007 and 2008. Announced as superintendents are Clint and Dana Mattox in the Poultry Barn, David Gilley in the Horse Barn, Gary Stevens in the Dairy Barn, Melinda Mann in the Sheep Barn, and Ardith Huge for the Dog Club.

The 2006 program summary revealed:

-- The county had 3,362 youth who experienced some skill development opportunity through the 4-H program this year.

-- There were 1,053 youth enrolled in 4-H this year, and they completed 2,677 projects.

-- There were 2,426 animals were enrolled and showed by the members.

-- Actual projects exhibited totalled 5,103 at this year's fair.

-- Attending 4-H camp at Shakamak State Park were 55 youth. Participating in special interest groups and workshops were 793 4-H'ers and 1,516 youth were involved in school enrichment programs.

The board also heard that as a total, the various groups who staffed the front gate to collect walk-in admissions took in about $6,500. The walk-in admission was new to the fair this year.

The dates for the 2007 fair will be July 20-29, and the parade will again be on Friday evening to open the fair.

The Fair Board regularly meets on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Building at the fairgrounds. The meetings are open to the public.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: