Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Fairgrounds topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sheridan County interviews candidates for Fair Association Board, focus on facility upgrades and fundraising
Summary
At a Dec. 10 special meeting, commissioners interviewed two candidates for the Sheridan County Fair Association Board. Applicants emphasized finishing barn work, expanding exhibit‑hall rentals and pursuing grants or a friends‑foundation to boost revenue for 4‑H and FFA needs.
Sheridan County commissioners on Dec. 10 interviewed two applicants for the Sheridan County Fair Association Board, hearing proposals aimed at boosting rental income, finishing stalled construction and improving livestock accommodations.
Susan Terry, a current fair board member who said she has served two terms as secretary, outlined recent improvements — new exhibit‑hall doors, show‑ring work, a rodeo office and upgraded staff equipment — and said she wants to help "finish the barn." She emphasized the board’s mission "to economically develop, maintain and manage the fairground facilities to the benefit of the public," and listed priorities that include more pen space for 4‑H and FFA animals, better promotion of existing facilities and targeted, budget‑minded upgrades.
An unidentified second candidate, introduced from the podium, described 3½ years in the community and past board experience. That candidate urged converting underused areas into an event center, said outdated lighting and sparse camera coverage are practical problems to address, and suggested modest additions or overhangs could link existing venues into a rentable complex. The candidate also noted experience with contracts and board finances.
Both applicants discussed funding. Terry referenced a past "friends of the fair" foundation that once supported fundraising and suggested increasing rentals of the exhibit hall and hosting community events. The other candidate suggested seeking grants and local sponsorships, updating infrastructure (LED lighting, security cameras) to reduce operating costs and make the site more attractive to renters.
Commissioners asked each applicant to name top priorities and areas for improvement; responses focused on making the fairgrounds more usable year‑round, expanding community awareness of available facilities and addressing specific maintenance items (stalls, barn, fencing). No formal appointment was made at the meeting; commissioners agreed they did not need an executive session to discuss candidates and planned to consider appointments publicly in a future action.
The commission adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
