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Houston County fair board reports repairs, donor-funded cattle barn and pursuit of carnival
Summary
John Kulas, vice president of the Houston County Fair Board, reported repairs to Floral Hall, enclosure work on the entertainment building, roughly $300,000 in donor funds for a planned cattle barn and $33,750 in sponsorships for 2025; the board indicated prior county support of $24,000 and heard plans to pursue a carnival for 2026.
John Kulas, vice president of the Houston County Fair Board, told the Houston County Board of Commissioners the fair completed major repairs to the Floral Hall and enclosed portions of the entertainment building this year to improve usability and potential off‑season rentals. "A lot of work went into that," Kulas said, describing concrete work, wall repairs and improved lighting.
Kulas said the fair board has roughly $300,000 in donor funds earmarked for a new cattle barn and that the fair posted a net profit for 2025. He said sponsorships totaled $33,750 from businesses and individuals in 2025 and the board is pursuing a carnival for 2026. He described carnival booking costs in the range of $38,000 to $46,000 and said the board voted to put a down payment to secure dates with a carnival company.
Commissioners thanked the fair volunteers and noted the board’s goal for the fair to be more self‑sustaining. County officials confirmed the 2024 county contribution was $24,000 and Kulas said the fair hopes for similar support next year. The commissioners did not take formal action on county funding during the meeting.
Looking ahead, Kulas said the fair plans to expand facility rentals (weddings, graduations) to raise revenue and to proceed with the cattle barn project as donor funds and contracts allow. "We're trying to make the fair a better fair every year," he said.
