The meeting began with the approval of the April meeting minutes, and also the Treasurers Report.
The Treasurers Report showed $84,328.22 as an ending balance for the month in the County Fair account. Treasurer Mary Lou Davis stated that the account has received $12,000 in sponsorships, $1,550 for booth rentals, and $450 from camping rentals for the fair.
Jeremy Pasel, Commissioner President provided an update that he and Scott Best met and completed insurance paperwork to complete needed items for the track events. Jeremy added that he spoke with a representative for the volunteer firefighters and verified that we will have the volunteer firefighters working at the track events.
Jeremy added that the building that is being constructed at the fairgrounds should be arriving in 3 weeks and construction will begin quickly thereafter. Jeremy added that the tile at the horse arena and track have been installed.
The committee reviewed all sponsorships from last year and decided which member needs to reach out to which businesses.
The committee discussed possible changes of locations for a few booths due to construction, but they feel positive that it will work out and not cause any concerns.
Barb Waechter, Queen Contest Coordinator, stated that the contest will occur on June 27, 2025, at 7p located at the Greensburg High School. She added that 8 girls attended the last meeting which was an informal opportunity to ask questions. Applications are due on June 9, 2025, and a QR code can be found on the Miss Decatur County Facebook Page.
Scott Best, Track Event Coordinator, thanked the commissioners and all involved as he feels that the drainage issues that have occurred for years at the track have been fixed with tiles being added recently. He stated that all events are locked in and are ready to roll.
Bonita Hellmich, Open Class Representative, stated that things are coming along and provided the following information for what is available to participate in open class.
Chris Ramey, Parade Coordinator, announced this year’s Grand Marshall, celebrating those families who received the 2025 Sequential, or Bicentennial. Those families being recognized are The McCoy Family, The Hamilton Batterton Family, The Miller Hahn Family, and The Spillman Family. The parade currently has 46 entries. Chris requested and received approval to have 4 categories with a prize of $25 each for the parade entry contest.
The parade route has been approved, and it will go through the fairgrounds. The parade will begin on Ireland Street and turn right onto Park Road. It will continue along Park Road until reaching the road beside the Animal Shelter. At this point, all entries (excluding large semis and oversized vehicles) will turn left into the fairgrounds. Participants will follow the gravel road, turning right at the second gravel drive. The route continues up the hill toward the Hoop Building, then left, proceeding straight before turning right between the Rabbit/Poultry Barn and the Track.
Entries will then:
- Turn right between the Headquarters Building and the Rabbit/Poultry Barn
- Turn left between the greenspace and Headquarters
- Turn right along the road between the greenspace and the Commercial Building
- After passing the Commercial Building, turn left and continue straight
At the end of the route, entries will exit onto S County Road 200 W: If offloading people or equipment, turn left. All other entries should turn right to exit the fairgrounds.
4-H Representative Cody Gault stated that the participants for livestock is continuing to grow. He requested equipment be available for 4-H to use by July 5th. He also requested and was approved to contact the tent rental company about three tents for the fair.
Kathy Verseman and Emily Verseman received approval for their advertising proposal which included advertising before the fair, pre-ride ticket advertising, live coverage at several events during the fair, live coverage of the parade, and website advertising and general information.
Kevin Crites informed the team that pre-ride tickets will be available by the second week of June. He will be on air with WTRE in the next week and will have more information.
