In a comparatively short senior fair board meeting Thursday, a lot of focus was on electricity and ice,
and possible changes coming in contracts.
Various vendors and concessionaires during the Wood County Fair bring support trailers. The
concessionaires committee noted a trend in larger and increased use of electricity.
Donald Bechstein noted how many of the trailers now contain refrigeration units as well as their own ice
machines.
Contracts with the businesses who operate during the fair require them to pay electric fees for their
spot. However, the proliferation of multiple electric hook-ups through one contract is costing the Wood
County Agricultural Society money.
"We hear from them a lot that we are so reasonable," Bechstein told the board. "That tells
me we may not be charging enough."
Before the contracts for the 2012 fair are sent out, the board will consider possible changes.
On the subject of electricity, it was also noted some vendors, leave trailers or campers on the
fairgrounds between the fair and the National Tractor Pulls. The discussion centered on being sure any
of those are either not using electricity or paying for what they use.
When the topic of ice was raised, a couple of different items were discussed. Dick King, fair manager and
board secretary, said several large ice machines had been left on the fairgrounds after the fair.
Apparently some vendors had arranged for the ice companies to supply and deliver the machines for their
use during the fair. That is not uncommon, however, it was unusual that there had been no arrangements
made to pick up those machines. King said some of the machines were also left plugged in and
refrigerated through the fairgrounds electric bill, again without proper authority or payment.
It was also noted that some other county fairs, do not allow ice to be brought in unless authorized and
approved. In at least one case, all ice used during that county fair, must be purchased through that
fair board operation.
Aside from an extra income source for that board, it was also noted, quality control is assured. Without
controls, there is noting to prevent vendors from possibly bringing contaminated ice in and being served
to fairgoers.
The board approved asking the state for the 2012 fair to be held July 31-Aug. 6.
Final numbers for the 2011 fair are still being compiled.
King told the board they were on a record pace until Saturday when the rains came and kept many people
away.
"It is only an estimate, but I say we were down seven to 10 percent," King said.
