John Coolison, vice president of the Houston County Fair Board, gave the Houston County Board of Commissioners an annual report on the fair’s recent projects and plans.

Coolison said the fairboard completed a renovation of the Floral Hall, addressing drainage and structural problems, and improved lighting and interior finishes to “make it more beautiful inside.” He told commissioners the entertainment building has been enclosed on three sides with plans to finish enclosing it so the space can be used for storage and rentals in the off season.

Coolison said the fairboard’s capital campaign for a new cattle barn is progressing. “As of her report to me last night, we have roughly $300,000 in the account for that building,” he said, describing those funds as donor contributions. He said the project is likely to move forward next year.

The fairboard is also negotiating with a carnival company to return to the fair. Coolison said carnival operators are expensive and often booked months in advance; the board voted to provide a down payment to secure a company that would bring about eight to 10 rides. He estimated the down payment to secure the carnival would fall in the $38,000–$46,000 range and said the event could produce revenue that would help offset those costs.

Sponsorships for the 2025 fair totaled $34,500, Coolison said, and the fairboard reported the overall event was profitable. He asked the county to consider repeating a contribution of roughly $24,000 that the county provided last year.

Commissioners thanked fair volunteers and noted the amount of year‑round work required to stage the event. Several commissioners asked how to increase attendance; Coolison said weather is the biggest factor in August but added that booking a carnival could boost vendor sales and overall turnout.

The county took no separate action on the fair presentation; the report was received for the record.