Logan County Fair Board members learned during their Wednesday evening meeting, Nov. 13, that following the successful motorcycle races at the fairgrounds earlier this fall, plans are being made to host additional races next year.
One race will take place in the spring and another race is slated for the fall of 2025. A motorcycle race also is being considered during fair week.
If the board proceeds with this activity during fair week 2025, the rodeo would likely be moved to Thursday, with the motorcycles races Friday and the tractor pull keeping its spot Saturday.
The board has applied for a $10,000 matching grant for capital improvements to the track in order to get it ready for next season and is awaiting the decision on the application.
Members also discussed changing how awards are given for individual classes. Trophies are becoming more cost prohibitive, and the board went slightly into the red on its trophy budget at the 2024 fair.
It was suggested that ribbons be substituted for first- through fifth-place for most of the classes, similar to the Hardin County Fair, and that actual trophies be reserved for the Grand Champion and Best In Show awards.
Banners or drapes with the sponsor’s name also are being considered, along with an increase in sponsor mentions by the announcers when animals are in the show arena.
It was also suggested that the board increase gate prices to get more in line with surrounding fairs, but no official action was taken on any of these matters Wednesday.
The board also elected its officers for 2025 at Wednesday’s meeting, with Rick Thomas as president, Jay Ackley as vice president, Kris Copenhaver as treasurer and Kelsey Cummins as secretary.
In the past, the fair board has alternated its meeting times between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., following the Daylight Saving Time schedule, but voted Wednesday to set the time for all future meetings to start at 7 p.m.
Olivia Ruffner, who became as the OSU Extension Educator for Logan County in September, addressed the board Wednesday with a variety of updates, including the showman of showmen contest. Audio from Ruffner is available below: