The Allen County Fair Association is asking commissioners to fund a $9,000 increase in the groups annual operating budget.
The county currently provides the fair association $11,000 per year. If the commission bumps that figure up to $20,000, explained Terryl Mueller, who spoke on behalf of the fair association, it would not only improve the average fair-goers experience theres talk of new picnic tables, a better food court, new parking, signage, and a cornhole tournament it would also help ensure the longevity of an institution, which, each year, faces a fair amount of financial anxiety in its mission to pull off a successful event.
While the group will continue to trim its budget and seek out new sponsorships, said Mueller, the fair association is sitting on very little in the way of reserves. Additional help from the county could help build up the year-to-year reserves and ease the burden of fair planners who, currently, remain hostage to the unpredictability of ticket sales when it comes to funding the bulk of each years expenses.
I never appreciated before how precarious a position the fair is in from year to year, said Commissioner Bruce Symes, and I like how youre trying to build up some cash reserves so it can be more self-sustaining.
Still, commissioners requested another week to look more closely at the numbers before rendering their final decision.
The Allen County 4-H Council has announced the theme for this years fair, which runs July 25-29: Family Game Night.
