Board considers move of county fair

Moving the county fair from Rothwell Park was a consideration of the Randolph County Fair Board March 4 as it met in its monthly session to discuss plans for this summer’s fair, to be held July 17-25.

Jerry Milnes and Ron Lueck gave a presentation to the group about the possibility of holding the Randolph County Fair at the 24 Raceway on Highway 24 East. The Raceway has 46 acres which potentially could be used to house the fair. Vickie Jordan, board secretary, said Milnes and Lueck presented maps of the existing structures and asked the committee chairs to consider what they would need to have their shows out there. Since there are no animal barns or pens, these would need to be built before the fair could be held there.

Jordan noted a major draw to having the fair at the Raceway would be the seating availability that would allow the invitation of some “big” entertainers. Also, persons could be charged for attending the fair, something that is not feasible at Rothwell Park.

The Fair board will discuss this possibility at a later meeting.

Some of the fair events have been finalized:

- Shooting Sports will be on July 17

- The 4-H Horse Show will be Saturday, July 17 and the Saddle Club Horse Show will be Sunday, July 25.

- The Exotic Animal Shows will be Wednesday, July 21 and the Cat Show will be Thursday, July 22 as will the Amphibian/Reptile Judging.

- Antique Tractor Pull will be on Thursday, July 22 and there will be a 2- and 4- wheel drive truck pull.

Fair items not yet finalized:

- Raellen Gregory is checking with Cooper Winery about coming to the fair on Friday night from 4-8. The board has to have a designated place to have it as well as checking on the requirements for them to get a license to serve at the park.

- Fair Board President Theresa Hyatt is checking into having a Hot Rod Garden Tractor Pull this year on Saturday night.

- Rena Roth stated the National Guard will come to the fair this year but a date has yet to be determined.

- A cook is needed for the BBQ meal.

- The entertainment committee is still checking about having the Battle of the Bands, Special Olympics involving animals, and Farmers Olympics.

- The Ham chairman is thinking about having an entry fee for this event this year.

- The concession stand committee is still working on the daily menus.

http://www.moberlymo.orgBecause of his job Ray Davis will be submitting his resignation to the board. The board accepted Sherry Meyer as a new member to the board. Meyer serves as co-director and emcee of the Randolph County Fair Pageant.

The next Fair board meeting will be at 7:30 p.m., April 1, at The Lodge in Rothwell Park.

Minutes were submitted by Vickie Jordan, Secretary