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Bradford County fair board reports TDC donation, pursues Dreamland contract and equestrian-center planning grant
Summary
Board members heard a report from Fair Manager Harley on industry conference takeaways, were told she is securing a contract with Dreamland Amusements for next spring, learned the Tourism and Development Council gave $7,500 for advertising, and discussed a county planning grant and site plan for an equestrian center.
Harley, the fair manager, told the Bradford County Fair Association board at its June meeting that a recent fair-industry conference was "definitely worth our time" and that she is "still waiting to secure a date and a contract" with midway operator Dreamland Amusements, which gave generally positive feedback about returning next spring.
Why it matters: The board discussed concrete scheduling and site-planning steps that would shape the 2027 fair and the proposed equestrian center. Board members identified potential revenue and volunteer constraints, and the Tourism and Development Council’s $7,500 donation for advertising means a short-term boost to outreach while larger capital work would depend on additional grants and county involvement.
Board members said Dreamland’s availability points toward a fair window in late February to early March next year; Harley said she is meeting with Dreamland again and will report a finalized date and contract at the next board meeting. The board discussed options for the fair’s length and vendor strategy, including returning to an 11-day format that includes two weekends or moving to a shorter schedule to reduce midweek vendor attrition.
On funding and facilities, the board reviewed a CPTA site plan that had been presented to the county commissioners showing an arena/equestrian center, a performance barn identified as the principal cost driver, RV hookups and parking layouts. Members raised concerns about site drainage and ground composition — noting recent drought and earlier flooding — and asked that those conditions be evaluated before major construction proceeds. The board discussed the practicalities of using some RV hookups year-round and using overflow areas for primary parking during large events.
A board member informed the group that the county-approved grant related to the equestrian project is for planning work, not for construction. Board members emphasized that the planning grant is intended to produce an exact budget and a grant-ready package they can take back to funders. They said other grant opportunities and county participation would be needed for execution, and that the county would likely own improvements and work with the fair association under a lease or other arrangement.
Harley also reported community outreach since the fair: she presented at a Rotary of Stark meeting, shared fair numbers with the Tourism and Development Council and confirmed a $7,500 TDC advertising donation. She encouraged board members to attend a Jacksonville Fairgrounds workshop at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 1, where speaker Ian Hill will discuss strategies for sustaining county fairs.
Next steps: The fair committee will draft an exact budget and funding plan for the equestrian center and return recommended dates and a theme to the full board; Harley said she will send updates on the Dreamland contract. The board set its next regular meeting for June 23 at 6 p.m.
