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Commissioners question fair-association decision to displace riding club; consider options to help restore activities
Summary
Commissioners raised questions about the riding club's displacement from the fairgrounds, asked staff to seek clarity from the fair association and discussed potentially helping the club find alternate property or pressing for reinstatement.
Multiple commissioners raised concerns Feb. 4 about the decision that led the local riding club to leave the fairgrounds and urged follow-up with the fair association.
Commissioner Daughtry, Commissioner Thompson and others said they had heard from riding-club members and that the group had historically brought visitors and revenue to the area. Commissioners said the riding club had maintained the site and contributed to county recreation; some commissioners said the arena was torn down but that the club's building remained and club members said they would be willing to rebuild the arena.
Commissioners discussed potential next steps: asking the fair association for clarification about why the group was asked to leave, requesting that the fair association take another look at the decision, or identifying property where the club could re-establish operations if reconciliation proved impossible. Commissioners asked county staff to reach out to the fair association (the board referenced a conversation with an individual named Bob Milner) and to invite the association to explain the circumstances to the board in a future meeting.
Several commissioners expressed sympathy for the riders and said they would like to support an outcome that restores riding activity in the county.
No formal motion or vote was recorded; the discussion took place during commissioner comments and public comment referenced riding-club support.
