Highland council approves Madison County Fair; resident urges restoration of Special Needs Awareness Day

The Highland City Council on June 17 approved a special-event application for the Madison County Fair, scheduled July 23–28, 2024, after city staff and police confirmed security staffing. City Manager Chris Conrad said the only outstanding issue was how many officers the city would provide; Lt. Feeney reported the plan is for the city to supply two officers and the Madison County Sheriff’s Department to supply three. Councilwoman Sloan moved to approve the application; Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voted aye.

During public comment, resident Cindy Giger said she had heard the fair might eliminate its Special Needs Awareness Day and called that program "a wonderful event for these people" because it allowed them "to interact and socialize." Giger asked whether the Knights of Columbus would continue sponsorship or whether the city or another group could step in. City Manager Conrad provided Giger with contact information for the Knights of Columbus.

John Kapp, a member of the Knights of Columbus, said the organization would have activities in the fair’s dance hall, including fried chicken, live music by Kevin Heim and games, and confirmed the Knights would not operate their traditional chicken stand on the fairgrounds this year. Mayor Kevin B. Hemann noted the council does not control Madison County Fair programming but asked Kapp to reiterate to the Knights the importance of the Special Needs Awareness Day.

The council’s approval included the staffing plan as described by Lt. Feeney. The measure passed by roll-call vote with Councilmembers Sloan, Bellm and Napper voting aye; there were no recorded nays.