|
|
The Fair has failed to gain much interest in hosting musical entertainment in the past several years despite bringing in high-priced talent such as Joe Nichols, Aaron Tippin and Josh Turner in recent years. The Kentucky Headhunters were the headliners this past year.
Fair Board member Christy Bonstell noted one band she had priced already was asking for $100,000, a significant jump from a year ago when the band could have been booked for $10,000.
Owenby said it's time for Fair Board members to begin looking at other avenues to attract visitors.
"We're looking for the old-time Fair, a midway atmosphere," Owenby said. "We need a carnival atmosphere."
As a result of the fairground layout change, the pit area for the motorsports events will be moved to the west side of the fairgrounds, Owenby said.
"It allows people access from every part of the parking lot," he said.
He felt this past year's Fair made strides by changing to a one-price gate admission that included carnival rides and allowing goats and poultry to be shown for the first time. However, he acknowledged more tweaks need to be made to make the annual weeklong event more appealing to county residents. The 2010 Fair is tentatively scheduled to begin Sunday, July 4.
The Fair Board officers will remain the same as last year following an election Saturday. Owenby will serve his fourth straight year as president. Eddie Meyer and Dave Mikus will serve as first and second vice president, respectively, while Charlie Denn will serve as secretary and Christy Bonstell as treasurer.
The Fair Association also held elections for five board of director positions and welcomed two new members. Elected to three-year terms are Terry Bruns and Mike Eckhoff, while re-elected were Dave Mikus, Christy Bonstell and Owenby.
Two members who were replaced were Jeff Turpin, who declined a nomination, and Matt O'Brien.
One vote amongst association members was taken Saturday night. Members unanimously agreed to have the board of directors begin discussing a policy on allowing not-for-profit organizations to sell food at the Fair.
Currently, the Fair Association's bylaws state only it is authorized to serve food with the exception for the carnival's two food stands. Members hope to finalize an arrangement where outside organizations and Fair Association can benefit from the move.
"We're trying to fill everyone's appetites, but we're having trouble running everything out of the food stand," Owenby said.
Also at Saturday night's meeting, Lynda Chandler announced she was stepping down as the chairperson of the queen pageant. She has organized the pageant for 17 of the last 19 years. Chandler said she wanted to focus on her family and job.
"As much as I enjoy it, I need to step down," Chandler stated.
Owenby also is encouraging more participation from association members and seeks the public's input.
The Fair Board meets the second Tuesday of every month at Firehouse No. 1 at 7:30 p.m.
