Harrison fair board gathered at fairgrounds to discuss rates and schedules 

The Harrison County Agricultural Society members gathered at the fairgrounds for their Dec. 1 meeting with President Rich Eberhart, going over the rates and possible new ones.

For inside concessions they decided to remain at $200 per space. For outside concessions the discussion got a little lengthier with some wanting to up the current rate from $350. Some saw no problem with upping the rates because they haven’t been raised for a while.

“The other thing you have to remember too,” Treasurer Kevin Willoughby said, “there’s a difference between outside and inside. All those outside concessionaires are selling something and making money.”

He continued by saying about one-third of those are entities such as Harrison Central High School or the senior center, which for the most part are only there to promote themselves, though some are selling items. They drifted away from the issue and then returned, but nothing definitive has been set at this time. They did favor wristbands over tickets, but it was not finalized. Board members did vote to keep gate prices the same.

Eberhart also announced decisions on the grandstand schedule for 2026 with motocross Monday and a new edition in flat-track motorcycle racing Wednesday. The rodeo would be Thursday and the demolition derby Friday.

“I think everything’s pretty much on schedule for grandstand stuff,” Eberhart said.

Also, Willoughby reminded the members the fiscal year had just ended and they were sitting at $73,561 in funds. He said they have money in CDs and their savings account with bills totaling around $34,000, which will eat into that. He also had $124,260.35 earmarked for capital projects, which included several projects already completed.

Willoughby addressed a few bills the members would later approve with one being $20,450 for the old horse arena and another for installing power in the pavilion for $855. Another bill was for labor, material and other work for wiring the announcer’s stand, which he said came to $4,657 and would be paid from the barn savings account. Another bill to be paid was for $9,748 for the steer barn power upgrade, which they said would be paid out of the capital improvement grant.

The next fair board meeting is scheduled Jan. 5 at 7 p.m.