WILMINGTON — Attendance at the county fair was above average for the opening weekend, with the Sunday night crowd the biggest in several years.
Clinton County Fairboard President Scot Gerber and other fairboard members gave reports to the county commissioners who met at the fairgrounds for their regular Monday session.
During the meeting, Clinton County Commissioner Patrick Haley made something of a summary statement concerning the condition of the fairgrounds, and how recent enhancements there can pay dividends.
The question of how the fairgrounds can generate revenue and thus make for a stronger financial picture has been asked previously, said Haley.
Facility and infrastructure investments have occurred at the fairgrounds, and they’ve made a difference in terms of revenue potential and user-friendliness, the commissioner said.
“As you ride around the fairgrounds, you can see it’s a different presence. It’s a different atmosphere; it’s clean, it’s nice, it’s modern, it’s appealing to people and that wasn’t always the case a few years ago. And I think that’s why people were staying away, and now you can see it’s a fun place to go,” said Haley.
Gerber anticipates the Clinton County Agricultural Society (Fairboard) may have to “turn people away” on winter storage such as the storing of boats this year.
At one juncture, Gerber said, “I think it’s a true testament how the community has pulled together in the last few years in trying to build this back up and get everything together.”
Clinton County Commissioners President Kerry R. Steed said half of the new 51-stall horse barn has already been leased.
The new barn will be used to board harness racing horses, with the fairgrounds track used for practice and training.
That usage was the main reason for a new horse barn, according to Gerber, along with the prior facility being in pretty bad shape.
Fairboard member Kevin Bogan said Shelby County Fairboard members attended the fair here Saturday and indicated they wanted to take Clinton County’s buildings and put them on their fairgrounds.
Clinton County Fairboard Vice President Dave Armstrong said electric on the fairgrounds is something that needs to be shored up some.
When it comes to electricity, “We’re at our limits,” said Armstrong.
Clinton County Commissioner Brenda K. Woods complimented the fairboard and said they are to be commended.
Reach Gary Huffenberger at 937-556-5768.
