The Custer County Ag Society met in regular session Thursday, January 15. Board President Brian Palmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM at the Shooting Sports Building on the Custer County Fairgrounds. Absent from Thursday evening’s meeting were Clint Lambrecht, Mark Cardoza and Caleb tenBensel.
Fair Board Discusses Contracts and Plans for Future Events
Most of the Ag Society Meeting was taken up with conversations regarding the various events confirmed for the summer and possible activities that might be brought to the Fairgrounds.
Board Member Desirei Cook addressed the contract with Wreckless Promotions for upcoming demolition derbies. Noting that the cost for the event has increased by $800 over the last year, Cook presented a three-year contract for the Board to review. A primary benefit of the three-year contract is that it would lock in the current price for the additional derbies in years 2 and 3. Alongside the Wreckless Promotions Contract was a three year contract with the Broken Bow Chamber of Commerce to continue their partnership and evenly split costs and profits for the event.
While Palmer cautioned the board members about committing the Ag Society to long-term agreements, all present were in agreement that last year’s demolition derby was a great success, and the contracts with Wreckless and the Chamber were passed unanimously.
The contract for this year’s Bull Fighting event to coincide with the Custer County Fair was still in the works at the time of the meeting – the Board approved Jake Rosentreader and Lori Lambrecht to finalize the documentation to bring that event to the Fairgrounds.
Two somewhat less developed proposals were also brought to the board.
Austin and Ryan Cox of Double Down Rodeo Company approached the board looking to partner on an additional rodeo in the early summer or late fall. Formed in 2024, the rodeo company currently provides bulls, horses and other livestock, and is expanding into a full event promoter.
Palmer told the duo that while the Ag Society as a whole is excited to bring in as many events as possible, timing is everything. A handful of possible dates were tossed about for consideration, and in the end, the group decided to continue working with the Rodeo to see if there was a potential fit for their event to be hosted at the fairgrounds.
Even more unfamiliar, at least to some of the board members, was the possibility of hosting a mud racing contest. After describing the nature of the contest – essentially a drag race in the worst possible conditions – Palmer directed the Events Committee to keep digging and come back with a more detailed proposal for the event.
High-speed Internet Possibly Coming to the Fairgrounds
Palmer informed the Board that Viaero Fiber Networks has approached the Ag Society with a proposal to install high-speed internet fiber-optic cable throughout the fairgrounds, with wireless internet links going into the offices, grandstands, shooting sports building, arena and 4-H building.
In return, the Ag Society would be required to pay $250 per month with a 5-year commitment and provide some level of marketing consideration such as event signage. The internet company would cover all installation and equipment costs directly.
This was viewed by the Board as an excellent opportunity, supporting other initiatives such as upgraded security and many future events.
However, Board Member Scotti Ross noted that although Viaero had approached the Ag Society directly, it would be prudent to obtain at least one other bid for equivalent work and service. Board Member and Grounds Committee Chair Andy Gibbons was tasked with working with at least one other competitor on the issue. Timing on this issue is tight though, as Viaero is taking advantage of unusually mild weather and is reportedly ahead of schedule working toward the fairgrounds area.
Fairgrounds to Seek General Manager
Ross, heading the HR Committee, updated the Board on plans to hire a General Manager for the Fairgrounds. An ambitious timeline has been set, with Ross wanting to have a hire in-place by mid-February. An advertising budget of $1,500 was approved by the Board to ensure both local sources can be covered, as well as more broadly if a candidate is not found in the first few weeks.
It was noted that the correct candidate will act as an executive director, but will need to have the ability to conduct and manage all types of fairgrounds activities – this is not to be an office-only position.
Other Ag Society Business
- Palmer presented the Society’s current finances to start the meeting. Palmer told those assembled that through December there were few events held, but bills still needing payed, resulting in a $12,000 deficit for the month.
Palmer noted that current statement of financial position shows a bit over $100,000 in checking and savings accounts, and about $101,000 in long-term liabilities. Of those, $61,000 represents payments being made to the City of Broken Bow for a lift station through 2035, while $40,641 is on two loans for fairgrounds equipment. The Board is considering paying off at least one of those loans in the near future.
- Nebraska Extension representative Troy Walz brought a reminder and requests in preparation for fair season. Walz noted that the Ag Society has worked in the past with the Arrow Hotel for lodging donated for livestock judges. This year, there may be a need to bring judges for the dog show in from Omaha, and Walz asked that the Society consider working with the Hotel on lodging for them as well.
Temporary employees to help prepare buildings for fair showing was also an item that Walz asked the Board to consider. Last year, the Ag Society payed two individuals for just over two weeks work.
- Gibbons reported as the new Grounds Committee Chair that he has been reviewing the facilities. Of note, Gibbons recently worked with the Broken Bow Electric Utilities to find places to reduce usage. Gibbons also stated several trees on the fairgrounds are in poor condition and need to be removed.
One Grounds item that generated particular discussion is the possibility of adding heating to the Arena Building. Gibbons has sought conceptual bids from both Taylor Heating and Cooling and 4-County Heating & Air. While formal bids have not been received, Gibbons noted that in discussion with both groups, the prospect of adding heat to the building does not appear economical at this time.
Austin Cox also works for 4-County Heating & Air, and told the Board that due to the large footprint of the building, a minimum of 14 heating units at a cost of $100,000 minimum would be required, before fuel and electric costs were incurred to use any installed system. Further, generating that much heat may require the installation of a fire suppression system as well.
While the group discussed heating smaller portions of the arena, insulation issues, and other related matters, no further action was taken on the heating concept.
Gibbons noted that new lighting for the arena was probably a much more doable project in the near-term.
- Later, Gibbons requested the Board authorize the purchase of a trailer to assist in the movement of livestock panels around the Fairgrounds. Currently, the skid-steer is used to move these fence sections, which often results in damage. The Board approved $1,450 to purchase a trailer from Brad White Equipment in Broken Bow for this purpose.
- Board Member Shelby Spanel indicated there are no more tickets left for seats at the upcoming Winter Ball, although tickets for the two raffles are still available.
- At the end of the meeting, Logan Girardin brought a proposal to the board to bring two different vending machines to the fairgrounds. The first proposal was a vending machine for equestrian supplies and treats to be installed at the arena. The second was an automated commercial ice machine. Palmer recommended such proposals should wait until better security systems were in place at the Fairgrounds to prevent theft and damage. Ross recommended Girardin bring the board a formal business plan and request for proposal for consideration.
With no further business brought forward, the Custer County Ag Society adjourned at 8:30 PM. The next meeting of the Fair Board will be Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 PM, at the Shooting Sports Building on the Custer County Fairgrounds in Broken Bow.
