CUSTER COUNTY—More than 400 Custer County youth participated as 4-H exhibitors during the 2018 Custer County Fair. Ag Society members discussed the ups and downs of the annual event at their monthly meeting on Thursday night.
Extension Educator Troy Walz thanked the Ag Society for all of its help with the fair. Michelle Gibbens reported last month that 1,231 purple ribbons were awarded to area youth. In addition to 4-H exhibits and shows, the Open Horse show brought in $781.65 and the ATV rodeo gained profits of more than $800. Ag Society President Kent Nelson said the Farm Bureau helped sponsor the third annual ATV rodeo.
The gun raffle had a total profit of $3,860 and it was reported that the open class exhibitors enjoyed their new location under the grandstand. The CWF concessions went well and the new picnic shelter sponsored by the Elks Club was heavily used during the fair.
Society members discussed some struggles involved with the scheduling of events that might need to be addressed for next year. Nelson reported the swine/sheep/goat scale had to be repaired and certified during the fair and that the camper parking plan will be readdressed for next year.
Travis Schauda made a motion and Becky Pearson seconded that the 2019 Custer County Fair take place from July 26 to August 1. The motion was approved.
Sonya Atkins gave an update on the proposed plan for a new outdoor sound system for barns 19-22. The project estimate is around $5,400 and after donations were accounted for, the remaining funds needed for the project are about $2,200. Society members discussed options for the sound system and decided to table the issue.
The Mid-States Rodeo will be taking place September 14-16 at the Custer County Fairgrounds in Broken Bow. Schauda said events sponsorships are going well. Borderline and the James Lee Band will be performing during the event.
Board members also discussed the upcoming bathroom renovation project which will cost approximately $3,800 and also talked about the possibility of adding a family style restroom to the park area.
The next Ag Society meeting is scheduled for September 20.
