With just eight weeks remaining before the Logan County Fair, the Logan County Agricultural Society gathered for an evening meeting to discuss key preparations and updates surrounding this year’s event.
The society, made up of community members who oversee operations of the county fair, covered a wide range of topics as planning continues to ramp up.
One discussion point centered around the return of species ambassadors, also known as fair commodity royalty.
The program, once a staple of the fair, has faded out in recent years.
Members expressed interest in reviving the tradition, though it will not return in time for the 2026 fair.
Instead, organizers are looking ahead to a possible comeback in 2027.
Logan County Commissioner Mike Yoder addressed the group regarding a property annexation issue.
Yoder explained that land owned by the county is currently annexed into the city, and efforts are underway to reverse that designation so the county can fully utilize the property.
While both the city and county are reportedly in agreement, legal matters have delayed progress.
Yoder said he is hopeful the issue will be resolved in the near future, and shared the board’s frustration with the matter.
On the youth development side, 4-H representatives reported strong participation numbers for the upcoming fair.
The organization currently includes 357 members, 54 Cloverbuds, and 65 volunteers preparing for the 2026 event.
Sponsorship letters have also been sent out to the public seeking support for Junior Fair awards.
However, officials noted there has been some pushback regarding how invoicing for sponsorships is being handled.
Folks would like to donate funds towards specific awards instead of a general pool of money.
The board is shifting to that sort of funding; however, there was some concern that there would be public pushback.
Several upcoming dates and projects were also highlighted.
Office renovations at the fairgrounds are scheduled to begin in June, while a purse and gun raffle fundraiser is being planned for August.
A fairgrounds work day is set for June 6 to help prepare the site, and Logan County Electric Cooperative has agreed to provide meals for 4-H and FFA students on July 11, which is designated as move-in day.
In organizational news, Paula Russell was recognized as the new office manager, replacing Kris Kopenhaver, in March.
A retired Honda employee, Russell, was praised multiple times during the meeting for her dedication and hard work.
Society President Rick Thomas said, “We’d like to thank Kris for her dedicated service to the Logan County Agricultural Society and wish her continued success in her future endeavors. At the same time, We’d like to introduce Paula Russell as Office Manager of the LCAS. We are excited for the fresh perspective and energy she brings and look forward to the future. We are working on new ideas for our fair. We encourage everyone to stay tuned for future details.”
Russell says she is excited about her work and anxious to implement new ideas and hopefully freshen up the event.
The Logan County Fair is scheduled from Sunday, July 12, to Saturday, July 18, and there is still a lot of work to be done, not only to the fairgrounds, but planning is still in the works.
The Agricultural Society will hold its next meeting on June 10th at 7:30 p.m. in the LaGrange Building at the Logan County Fairgrounds.
