Draft Horse Expo committee and fairgrounds discuss logistics, site and facilities repairs

Members of the Draft Horse Expo committee met with fairgrounds staff before the board meeting to finalize logistics for the upcoming expo and to raise facility maintenance items that affect event operations.

Wade Thornley, Chair of the Draft Horse Expo, provided a handout and led discussion confirming set-up and take-down dates (Monday 22 to Monday 29). Kelley Knight was identified as the point of contact during the expo. Committee members and staff discussed whether existing concrete bathrooms would be used or whether additional portable toilets would be required; Tony Stoddard noted temporary repairs and jetting could be used and that concrete bathrooms should be available.

Other logistics included access to the south-end electrical post (Tony said posts should be available but need to be switched on), availability of a tractor to condition the arena (training to be provided), mowing responsibilities (north area), obtaining shavings (Dale offered to bring a dump truck), and the suggestion to place the picnic tent east of the concrete bathrooms to reduce horse traffic near the Blue Ribbon area. Wade said the Expo will buy a white box stall for $500 but Melissa Gallagher said offers need to be advertised for other bids.

Facility items raised for follow-up included remediation of mold in concrete bathrooms (Kelley to contact Tony Stoddard), repair work on a larger metal bleacher, and revisiting repairs needed on the caretaker trailer after Jody Thomas declined the caretaker position. The group discussed moving hog panels to storage east of the old barn and organizing volunteers to help move panels and equipment on Saturday.

The pre-meeting concluded prior to the board's formal call to order.