County ED director new fair bd. director

VW County Fair information

With less than 100 days to the 2014 edition of the Van Wert County Fair, the fair has a new fair director representing Pleasant Township.

Following the resignation of Terry Childs on April 18, the fair board voted to give Van Wert Economic Development Director Sarah Smith a more official role.

“Sarah had come to meetings to offer help with grants, as well as sponsorship for events and ideas like the energy expo that will be introduced at this year’s fair,” said Fair Board Treasurer Kyle Gehres. “We had asked her to be an auxiliary member, so when the director position for her township became available the decision was easy.”

“The skills and ideas that Sarah brings with business, marketing, and development will only help make the fair better,” he added.

Also, with a little more than three months left until this year’s fair, the Fair Board was both busy and excited about the many new things happening at this year’s event. Grandstand improvements, a new waterline, a new poultry barn, and a new rabbit barn are just a few items to look out for at the 2014 Fair.

“Van Wert County Fair is still the only county fair in the state of Ohio to offer thoroughbred and quarter horse races,” said Fair Board Director Mike Poling, who is also fair speed chairman.

The start time for Labor Day races is different this year, though, with races to begin at noon on Monday, September 1.

“Another first to look forward to this year is the incorporation of the Hot Air Festival into the activities” offered Fair Board Director Marshall, who is also grandstand concerts chair. “Saturday night of the fair (August 30) will offer the ‘Family Night Triple Play’ with a calf scramble, Country Music Duo Emerald Blue out of Nashville, Tennessee, and the Hot Air Balloon Glow.”

One thing that is not new is the ticket price. Entry into the gate will remain $5, with season tickets the same $18 they were last year.

With the school year wrapping up, start the countdown to this year’s Van Wert County Fair, which begins Wednesday, August 27.