BROKEN BOW, NE- The Custer County Ag Society met for a regular board meeting on Thursday at the shooting sports building on the Custer County Fairgrounds.
After an executive session discussion, the board appointed Desirei Cook to the board. She will complete the term on the board vacated by Ashley Garrelts before November elections are held, at which time she can run for a position that would be a full two year term.
The subject of food trucks on the fairgrounds appeared in new business; specifically the consideration of vendor fees for them to set up. The board unanimously approved a $35 a day vendor fee to park on the fairgrounds that excludes the week of fair.
Conversations between the Custer County Fairgrounds and the Outlaw Tractor Pulling Association reached the point of decision. The board discussed that the pull would appeal to a different crowd and that one had not been done for some time.
A tractor pull on August 11 was approved at a cost of $15,000 which includes the sled and prize money. Not included is the building of the track. A grant has been applied for and three volunteers would be needed to help run the event.
Camper pedestals were another big topic item for the board Thursday night. A recent survey was sent out to 4-H families to gather more data to help decide if more camper power locations are needed. A 50 survey response found needs to be 50/50 split between 50 amp and 30 amp service.
The board discussed the generator that was used last year and how cords, fuel, and cost was not conducive to do again. The fairgrounds currently hold 26 30 amp locations and 39 50 amp locations, with last year’s fair bringing 71 campers to the grounds. Ten campers used the generator.
After determining that fair is the only time of the year when all camper spots are used and that the high cost of installing more electrical service isn’t justified, discussion circled to the upgrading of plugs on the north end of the stall barns to plugs better suited for camper use. The board encouraged grounds management to move forward with that outlet project.
The board unanimously approved the hiring of two individuals to help Colleen Peterson (Custer County 4-H Aide) during fair at 90 hours max each and minimum wage.
The contract for the Mid-States Finals Rodeo, its standing and need for updating was discussed as well. A committee was formed to work toward a resolution spurred by the cost of complimentary gate passes.
A request for a memorial to be constructed for Dr. Lance Jones was met by many nodding heads on the board, and $500 was determined to go to a revamp of the auction block in his name.
In committee reports, fair entertainment news included that Cooper James has been booked for the evenings of July 29 and July 30 for after the bull fighting and riding events. Tazy Scott will perform in the beer garden on Wednesday night the week of the fair.
Grounds news included the report that all stall barn stalls are leveled and some work needs done in the alleys. The building 21 women’s bathroom work is complete and a new flag for the big flag pole is needed, estimated to cost about $1,200 for a wind-strong option. The board encouraged the replacement, citing the importance of having a flag in place for summer events.
Troy Walz reported that market beef weigh-in numbers were up from 215 to 224 from last year, with weights ranging from 438 to 1,056 pounds. The premium book is headed to the printer soon.
The board meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm.
