Fair board votes to eliminate a day of tractor pulls

0

GREENVILLE — At its May 3 meeting, the Darke County Agricultural Society’s Board of Governors voted 7 to 3 to move to a one-day tractor pull during 2018’s Great Darke County Fair.

The fair has hosted a two-day tractor pull since 2011. Members of the Darke County Tractor Pullers Association were in attendance and told the board it wasn’t something that could be easily undone as repetition in the sport is really big and jumping around makes it harder.

Voting “yes” for a one-day show were Governors Ed Erisman, Jerry Marker, Dave Niley, Cindy Riffle, Fair Manager/Secretary Brian Rismiller, Board Vice President Doug Martin, and Board President Dean Neff.

Governors Russ Bennett, Richard Delk and Jim Zumbrink voted “no” to the measure.

The board also heard a request from a local woman to have a tree planted on the grounds containing the biodegradable ashes of her late husband, and in the future, herself. She told the board that the Darke County Health Department had no objections and the arrangements would be handled by Zechar-Bailey Funeral Home at no cost to the fair.

Delk, Erisman, Marker, Neff, and Rismiller voted “yes,” with Bennett, Martin, Niley, Riffle, and Zumbrink voting “no.” As the vote was tied 5 to 5, her request was denied.

The board heard from representatives of Western Ohio Motorsports, who would like to stage motorcycle racing at the Grandstand during the 2018 fair.

The board accepted a bid to replace the Grandstand roof, which suffered wind damage. The board is waiting on an insurance settlement check and will supplement the cost for full replacement. The final cost is yet to be determined.

The board voted to accept a bid to blacktop paved areas from Gate 1 to the horse barns and around the speed office. This bid was awarded to Wagner Paving with an estimated cost of $58,000.

Darke Co. Fair board votes for 1-day tractor pull in 2018

By Erik Martin

[email protected]

The writer may be reached at 937-569-4314. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com

No posts to display