The Oneida County Fair Board met for their first regular meeting of the year on January 4.  The Oneida County Fair itself is scheduled for the 12th -17th of August, with races beginning two weekends (and possibly three this year) beforehand. but the board has a lot of preparation to undertake for the busy weeks during the summer. 

New Members 

Two new members of the Fair Board were introduced replacing Patrick Werk and Kacey Keller.   Shanae Blaisdell and Hugo Ramos have been appointed to serve on the board.  Rotations and terms will be discussed during subsequent meetings.

Goat Show

Kristi Christopherson spoke to the Fair board about upcoming goat shows.  In order to accommodate the number of goats that are expected at the show, more pens will be necessary.  In 2023, there were 135 goats in Tremonton, and Oneida may be approaching those numbers in the next few years owing to an increase in participation in goat shows among county residents.  Kristi had 95 goats, using 84 pens last year, including the pig pens.  She would love to keep the show in town in order to keep it local, which also lowers the cost of the event.  Goats can be put into the sheep pens at 3 or 4 per, though the bucks and babies require separate spaces.  “It’s pretty amazing how much people will do for their goats,” Christopherson said.  

Chairman Ken Moss, Jr. explained that there is not a lot of space for permanent pens, but that temporary pens would be possible.  “We do pretty good prizes for them—we do belt buckles for best in show,” Christopherson stated. Moss suggested that he would need to check how many portable pens might be available, and what needs the extension office had for them.  The show is scheduled for June 21 and 22, as well as another show in September.  

Addition to Steer Barn

Moss raised the issue of the steer barn, which needs additions in order to provide more room for steer during the year’s events.  The capital funds available are not enough to pay for additions of any large amount.  It was reported by members that though sheep numbers were up last year, steer numbers were down.  Moss suggested that if the board waited too long to decide what to do, they would be in a position of not having enough space sooner rather than later.  The potential to combine several budget years together for a request was raised, as were separate plans for a potential indoor arena.  Lacey Clark asked whether the board felt like a subcommittee should be established for the future arena project.  Todd Thomas reminded the board about previous plans to consult with regional companies about potential donations.

Clark noted that she “really wanted to see it happen” and would be willing to pursue the project however possible.  Moss asked for numbers from the extension office about the predicted number of animals in the future.  

The board will submit names for an indoor arena committee at the next meaning.

Vendors

Vendor pricing was discussed.  Todd Thomas stated that booth spots should be given out for a set cash bid up front, rather than a percentage of sales arrangement.  It was agreed that last year’s arrangement had the clear positive that the Board was in a position to provide a fund-raising opportunity to groups from the high school.  

Separating bids for races and fair week for vendors was agreed to.  

It was also agreed to start advertising for outside vendors earlier in the season.  A bid minimum to cover the cost of propane and maintenance was also agreed to.  A motion to set a minimum bid passed.

Food Booths

Shanae will take over Kacey’s role as the vendor supervisor.  Kacey and Donna Potter have previously held the position, and were reportedly willing to assist with any issues Blaisdell encountered in learning the ropes.

Fair Entertainment

The entertainment aspect of the Fair is something that needs to be set up early in order to allow for a seamless process.  Other options for a motorized vehicle event were discussed.  Live a Little, the company that has provided the MotoCross event, was discussed in terms of what other products they might have on offer, as the board questioned whether the specific entertainment provided by them was still a popular addition to the fair.

Monster trucks, horse pulls, truck pulls, and other options were considered.  It was agreed that the hypnotist was a popular attraction and they would like to bring it back.  Last year, it was one of the most well-attended events.  The fireworks were also mentioned to have been very popular.  

Ideas for alternatives to Scales and Tails included a butterfly show and a few other ideas.  Scales and Tails has been a popular attraction over the past few years, but the board felt it was worthwhile to at least consider aleterntives.

Hotel rooms were also discussed.  Better tracking of how many hotel rooms were used was requested.  

Three weekends were scheduled for races this year.  The races are scheduled for the last weekend in July and the first two weekends in August.For the last two years, one of the race days has been canceled due to rain.  The three dates should allow for some breathing room in case of a similar situation.  

The issue of whether to book a concert or not was raised.  The concerts have not been especially well-attended in recent years, though those who have attended have enjoyed them.

Sponsorships

Hansens in Brigham city has expressed interest in sponsoring the Fair this year, as have a few other entities.  

Member Assignments

Hugo Ramos will be working with Eric Eliason, while ShaNae will work on vendors.  The other members of the board will maintain their assignments from last year.

New Vice Chair

The role of vice chairman was open.  John Hardy was elected to the position.

Stock Contractor Bids

Stock contractor bids were reviewed.  Hogans bid at 13K, Seven C Buckers bid at 13K, and Diamond H bid at 14K.  Diamond H, which has provided stock, an announcer, timer, judges, and other elements was awarded the bid, as those additional services were seen as more than offsetting the money represented by the slightly higher bid.  

Groundskeeper

A groundskeeper is needed for the season beginning in the spring, so the board plans to advertise for the position soon.

New and Old Business

Lacey Clark stated that she would like to schedule the Queen Contest for the 14th and 15th of June.