Tri County Fair Board requests $12,000 from Dickinson County to cover 4-H/FFA costs and facility repairs

A representative of the Tri County Fair Board asked the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners for $12,000 to help cover fair expenses, support 4-H and FFA participants and fund building and bleacher improvements.

Barron Harrington, speaking for the fair board, said the fair has been in operation for several decades and that this year the event drew higher numbers of exhibitors. He said barns were at capacity and that some beef and dairy animals were unable to remain on exhibit. The board representative outlined several facility maintenance needs, including replacing worn arena lights, repairing a fallen light pole and addressing rotting boards on bleachers.

Harrington told the commission that insurance costs are a large share of the fair's operating expenses and that local support and volunteer labor help keep the fair viable. The board reported it had increased premium payouts by 19% last year and had successful events such as a February performance that drew more than 400 attendees.

"We're requesting $12,000 this year to assist with 4-H and FFA costs, including the fair entry application website, building improvements and, hopefully in 2026, to have new boards on all of our bleachers," Harrington said. He told commissioners the request is primarily materials (labor is volunteer) and that the board would also seek support from Marion and Morris counties.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about whether the expense was one-time or recurring; Harrington said the bleacher work was a larger, likely nonrecurring ask and that the fair would seek additional county and private support.

The commission thanked the fair board for the report and did not take an immediate vote on the funding request during the meeting.