Fair Meeting Minutes 8_20_26

Marquette County Youth Organization Association Meeting Minutes - August 20, 2026 Present: Richell Kufahl, Sheena Mike, Joanna Dalton, Cal Dalton, Victoria Smith, Molly Groskreutz, Brenna Babcock, John Bennett, Denise Gerbitz, Izzy McReath + 1, Susanne Kufahl, Amber Vossekuil, Amanda Kuchar, Jack Cummings The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was said. John B and M and Sheena M moved the agenda; motion carried. Sheena M and John B approved the minutes from the previous meeting; motion carried. Treasurer Report: Printed report was reviewed. There is about $50K in the bank. No grants were received this year; sponsorships were up, and no county money was received. Parking revenue was up, vendor sales were down, and camping was full this year. Tractor Pull and Rodeo were both a loss. Premiums were up, entertainment expenses were up, and insurance went up at the last minute due to having to cover equipment. End loss was about $21K. Sheena M and Izzy M made a motion to approve the treasurer report; motion carried. Citizens’ Input: Jack Cummings presented possibly having a beef heifer jackpot show during the 2027 fair but then the fair next year will be during Endeavor Broiler Fest so he’s not able to do. Cassie’s Email Suggestions: Separating goat/sheep and swine shows: The discussion was to have the swine show Wednesday night at 6 pm. Having the goat/sheep show Thursday night starting at 6 pm. Seasoned Showmanship: this was also discussed at the auction committee meeting - the auction committee will organize. Adding Horse Speed Show: The equipment will either have to be borrowed for purchase. Sue will look into the insurance part of it first before a decision is made. Committee Reports Executive & Finance: post-fair was reviewed during the treasure report. Entertainment: Sheena M will look into Rice Rodeo next year or possibly a different one. Volunteers: Joanne reported that everything went well. Since all the volunteers received a $5 coupon at the fair, there will be no volunteer dinner. Building & Grounds: Paul is working on the midway and track lights. Paul is also working on updating the electric. Also, getting bigger fans in the showbarn. Promotions & Technology: The website is all updated and working well. Quickbooks account will expire soon, Sue is looking into renewing it to the online version. Market Animal Auction: There are 4 buyers left to pay before checks can be issued. The committee approved up to $7000 for new fans in the showbarn. The committee will organize the seasoned showmanship (over 21) and also a peewee class which will be 8 yrs old and under. There will be no more weigh-ins for beef, sheep and goats. There will be tags provided. A survey is going out to the bidders/buyers to get their opinions about sale order, allowing the youth to sell 2 animals, auction day/time, dinner, etc. The committee is looking into renting a PA system. There was discussion about adding lowline breed/mini/exotic classes for beef. The board is putting the back to the committee for more information before adding any classes to the premium books. Additional born & raised classes, they are looking at what other fairs do. They add a discussion about increasing the minimum beef weight to 1100 lbs which is the industry average - the board tabled for now. They talked about adding swine breeding classes and having intact males for beef and goats - less than a year old. They are looking into more gates and prices. They talked about adding a “Red Card Policy” which would be displayed if the exhibitors pens are dirty or their animals need water/feed. There will be a timeframe for them to take action or there could be a loss of premiums/percentage of premiums. They talked about only allowing the exhibitors to sell at only 1 fair. The board tabled this until the surveys from the bidders/buyers come back. The next auction committee will be October 7 at 6:30 pm at the Harrisville FD. Action Items: Approve Committee recommendations, if any: none Boat Storage: Drop off dates will be October 10 from 8 am to 2 pm & October 11 from 10 am - 12 pm. Pick updates will be April 10 from 9 am to 2 pm & April 11 from 10 am - 11 am. The new contacts will be updated to indicate increasing the running foot to $17. The signed agreement, payment in full, and proof of insurance will be due at the same time and will be due the week before. Amber V and Amanda K made a motion to approve the changes, motion carried. Terminal Swine show: Sue K made a motion to no longer have the swine show terminal with Breena B making a second, motion carried. Swine will be allowed to go home but will also have a spot for processing if needed. Theme for next year - A facebook post will go out for ideas, a theme will be decided during the next meeting. Wheels on Show cases in the exhibit building: Hannah’s W FFA class in Westfield volunteered to put the wheels on. Trash Payouts: The board paid the Wednesday - Saturday groups $200 and the Sunday group $150. John B made a motion to keep the amounts the same for this year, Victoria S seconded, motion carried. Informational/Discussion only: The Compeer and Marquette Adams Grant will be due in October. Sue K and Brenna B volunteered to look into applying for these. Next Meeting: September 24 at 7 pm at the Extension office in Montello John B made a motion to adjourn the meeting with Izzy M seconding at 8:32 pm Respectfully submitted by Denise Gerbitz