Seneca County Fair in review

TIFFIN —The gates have closed for the 2024 Seneca County Fair, and planning already has begun for next year. Derek Rowe, president of the fair board, said this year's fair "went over pretty well." The response to the various schedule changes that took place this season was mostly positive, and Rowe said he "didn't hear much backlash." Next year's fair, he said, will have a similar schedule. The opening of the new small animal pavilion was a success, Rowe said, and a handful of suggestions and ideas for layout modifications were proposed by both exhibitors and the barn superintendent. "There was a lot of friendly conversation," Rowe said, and a few "tweaks" will be made to address hosting three species in one barn. "It was a trial year," he said. The addition of the new sale office in the education building was a refreshing change for those involved in fair sales, Rowe said. The permanent office space includes walk-up windows and table space for paperwork, which proved to be "a good setup." Rowe said attendance at this year's fair was average, which he found surprising due to the weather conditions. "I think all in all it was the nicest weather that I can remember," he said, which he thought would result in a high visitor turnout. Attendance at the fair's main entertainment event, Ian Munsick, also was down. Rowe said concert turnout decreased 25% this year, even with the timing of the event changed to Friday night. Interest in the performer, he said, may simply have been a lack of name recognition. In the next month, fair planners already will be in the process of booking next year's act, Rowe said, and may also book the entertainment for the 2026 fair. "It's hard to sign these guys," he said. While country music remains a staple that is generally "well received at a county fair," Rowe said, planners may venture out of the genre and consider a different sound for future Seneca County fairs. Rowe said classic rock is an option, and with three concerts already "in the pocket" for fair planners, they are "not afraid to pull it off." Rowe expressed his gratitude for the Seneca County Sheriff's presence at the fair to handle any potential issues and also recognized the work of Emily Gilliland, junior fair coordinator. Gilliland's junior fair members, he said, "worked their butts off." The sincere dedication of the junior fair kids "makes me proud," Rowe said. "They make the junior fair go round," he said. Clouse Electric's work at the fairgrounds, Rowe said, was and continues to be invaluable. Clouse has performed system upgrades for multiple sites at the fairground, he said, and substantially fewer trip breakers occurred during fair week this year. Each year, Clouse gives upgrade recommendations, Rowe said, advising the board with project planning. "Their help is priceless," he said. The grant funding from Ohio's County and Independent Fair Grant Program, which recently was received by Seneca County, "was amazing," Rowe said. The funds came at a perfect time to help absorb the cost of the needed work, Rowe said, and enough money remains to put towards upcoming projects. By the time the 2025 Seneca County Fair kicks off next July, he said, upgrades to the grandstand should be completed in addition to other projects on the grounds.