Richland County fair committee approves entertainment package; sets tractor-pull contribution at $5,500

The Richland County Fair Committee on Jan. 28 approved a package of entertainment contracts and budgeting steps for the 2026 fair, including a negotiated arrangement to bring a tractor pull back to the grandstand and a $10,000 contract for the Saturday-night demo derby.

Christopher Clark of Southwest Wisconsin Pullers told the committee the club’s standard charge for classes and staff is “$8,800,” with the pulling sled billed extra, and that an organizer had estimated total costs “about, like, 10,500” including sled and eliminator. Clark said the club would prefer to keep as much of the event revenue local: “We charge $1,000 $1,000 goes to that those pillars in that class… the money stays here,” he said, describing competitor payouts and local economic benefits.

Jason Cleppi, who said he ran the county fair pull for 17 years, urged the committee to allow the pull back and offered to organize track prep and equipment: “I’m willing to put time into it to get it back in,” he said, and asked whether the county would provide financial support or if the club must raise the balance through sponsorships and gate receipts.

Staff and committee members said the entertainment budget for the year is roughly $20,000 and noted the demo derby already carries a $10,000 contract. Committee members and organizers discussed sponsorship splits, numbered competitor passes, staffing for pit and grandstand gates and vendor arrangements before settling on an adjusted contribution for the pull.

The chair announced the committee would pursue a contract with Southwest Pullers at $5,500 (including sled) and keep the demo derby at $10,000, and a motion to approve the entertainment items was made, seconded and carried. The committee asked staff to return next month with any sponsor commitments and to finalize contracts so schedule and brochure deadlines (targeted for March 1) can be met.

Coordinator updates at the meeting noted other entertainment estimates — a balloon act at roughly $3,500 and a pedal/bridal pull at about $800 — and staff said they would prefer to avoid using fund 33 without committee approval. Members emphasized the need to balance sponsorship outreach, volunteer availability and gate-fee planning when finalizing payments and operational details.

Next steps: staff will finalize contracts for the pull and demo, pursue sponsorships identified by organizers, and return to the committee with firm sponsor commitments and contract signatures at the next meeting.