Article I
This society shall be known as the Van Wert County Agricultural Society.
Article II
The Society is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes, including for such purposes the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations described under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, more particularly. The Society may engage in any lawful act or activity and exercise all the rights and powers conferred on non-profit associations under the Ohio County Agricultural Societies Law, as the law is now in effect or may at any time be amended, so long as the exercise of such rights and powers is permitted to be carried on (a) by an association exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) and related regulations of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding sections of any future tax code and regulations, or (b) by an association, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Constitution, the Society shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on (a) by an association exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or (b) by an association, contributions to which are deductible under section 170(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code.
Article III
Members of this society must be residents of the county, be 18 years of age or older, must purchase a membership certificate, and may vote for the directors of this society at the annual election of directors of this society. Membership certificates shall bear the day and year the membership begins and terminates, the name of the society, a space for the signature of said member, and spaces for county and non-county residents. Membership certificates shall also serve as an individual admission to the annual exhibition of the society as stated on the certificate. Anyone between the ages of 9 and 17 may purchase a membership certificate but has no voting privileges.
Article IV
This society shall consist of eighteen (18) Directors; one (1) from each of the twelve (12) townships in the county, but not a resident of the villages of said townships, and one (1) from within the corporation limits of the City of Van Wert, residents of which may not run for Director of townships within the city limits, (1) Director to represent all the incorporated villages of the county and residents of the City of Delphos who reside in Van Wert County, and one(1) to be an At-Large Director, who may reside in any township, village, or the City of Van Wert commencing with the 2015 City of Van Wert position becoming the new At-Large Director seat and one (1) from the Northern Tier of Townships (Tully, Union, Hoaglin, Jackson), one (1) the Central Tier (Harrison, Pleasant, Ridge, Washington) and one (1) the Southern Tier (Willshire, Liberty, York, Jennings). The new Regional Directors will each be elected to a specific term/class in the election of 2022 so as to insure that each year there will be 6 up for election. When a resident of the township, village, or city does not seek re-election or no one runs for Director of the township, village, or city, the Van Wert County Fair Board may appoint a Director-At-Large to represent the township, village, or city where a vacancy is declared until the next election of Directors which is held at the Fair each year. If no one runs for that particular area, the Director-At-Large may be reappointed. When the term for the township, village, or city becomes a full three-year term and no one declares for the said Directorship of the township, village, or city by Friday at 5:00 pm before the first day of the Van Wert County Fair, any member of the Society may take a petition to run for the position of Director-At-Large for the said township, village or city for the full three-year term. An individual may only run for one Directorship position per year. The position will be voted on by the Fair membership at the election of Directors that is held each year during the Fair between the hours of 11:00 am and 7:00 pm the last full day of the Fair. One-third (1/3) of the Directors will be elected each year for a three (3) year term. Only bona fide members of the Society are entitled to vote. This elected Director and any other newly elected Directors will assume the duties of their position at the Annual Meeting of the membership to be held on the second Saturday in November following their election. The Board of Directors shall elect, by ballot, a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer, who shall hold office for one (1) year, and until their successors are duly elected. The President and Vice President shall be Directors and the Secretary and Treasurer may be Directors.
Article V
No part of the net earnings of the Society shall inure to the benefit of or be distributable to its members, directors, officers, or other private persons, except that the Society is authorized and empowered to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and to make payments and distributions in furtherance of the purposes set forth in Article II.
A) This society may pay each director of the society, other than an ex-officio director, an amount not to exceed the limit per meeting, plus mileage from the director’s residence to and from the meeting place of the Board of Directors, as set by the Ohio State Department of Agriculture for attending up to twelve (12) meetings of said Board each calendar year and said compensation shall be set at the annual meeting for the following year.
B) The Board of Directors of this society may pay the actual expenses of any director and any duly authorized guest or representative of the board, who attends the annual meeting of the society, the annual convention of the Ohio Fair Managers Association district or regional meetings of the Ohio Fair Managers Association, the annual meeting of agricultural societies required by Section 901.06 of the Ohio Revised Code, and any other event designated by the board, if said board determines that attendance by the director or guest representative at the meeting or event is directly beneficial to the society and records such determination and authority for such payment in the minutes of any regular or special meeting of the board.
C) This agricultural society may:
1) During the week of its fair, purchase meals for the directors and officers of the society, and for other individuals designated by the Board of Directors at a regular meeting of the Board.
2) Compensate such directors and officers for meals purchased by said directors and officers.
D) The treasurer, secretary, and fair manager may be members of the Board of Directors of this society. The Board of Directors may compensate such board members for their service in addition to the compensation permitted by sections (A), (B), and (C) of this regulation, unless:
E) This society shall not employ and compensate any member of the Board of Directors, other than the treasurer, secretary or fair manager, of the society for services other than those specified in section (A), (B), and (C) of this regulation unless:
1) The minutes of a regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors record authorization for such employment.
F) This society shall not pay any funds or deliver any property of the society to, or for the individual benefit of, any member of the Board of Directors or any other person as a share, gift, or dividend. The terms “share”, “gift”, and “dividend” as used in this regulation do not mean awards that are advertised in the annual premium list of a fair held by this society.
Article VI
Section 1. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all meetings of the society and of the Board. He shall have power to call special meetings of the Board whenever in his judgment necessary, or at the request of three (3) or more members thereof. He shall see that all Bylaws and Regulations of the Society are duly. enforced, and exercise a general superintendence of the same. He shall be custodian of the Secretary and Treasurer’s bonds and shall perform such other duties as pertain to that office.
Section 2. It shall be the duty of the Vice President to perform all the duties pertaining to the office of President during the absence, resignation, or disability of the President.
Section 3. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a record of the proceeds of the Board, to issue certificates of membership to members of the society and keep a record of their names and addresses. He shall record all entries for premiums, receive all monies due the society, except for tickets sold by the Treasurer and pay the same to the Treasurer. He shall issue orders on the Treasurer for all monies expended and shall keep an accurate statement of all receipts and expenditures, must make a report annually to the Board of Directors and to the State Board as required by the rules and shall perform such other duties as are required by law and usage. He shall receive for his services such compensation, as the Board of Directors shall deem proper. Before entering upon the duties of this office, the Secretary shall give bond, amount of the security subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, for the faithful performance of his official duties.
Section 4. It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive from the Secretary all monies belonging to the Society, also all monies for tickets sold during the annual exhibition of the Society, to pay all orders drawn upon him by the Secretary, and shall perform all other requirements according to the Constitution Rules and Regulations of the Board of Directors. He shall receive such compensation for his service as the Board of Directors may allow. Before entering upon his duties he shall give a bond in amount and security acceptable to the Board of Directors conditional for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office.
Article VII
The officers shall consist of a Board of Directors for the general management of the Society. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum to transact business and the President shall appoint from the Board of Directors a committee, whose duty shall be to represent the Board in case of emergency, when not in session.
Article VIII
The President shall appoint three (3) Directors as Auditing Committee whose duties shall be, at the close of the year’s business, to audit the Secretary and Treasurer’s books and report the results of its findings to the Board.
Article IX
All articles offered for premiums must be owned or produced by the persons offering the same, or by the minor members of their families, and products of the soil must be produced in Van Wert County or adjoining counties.
Article X
A list of articles for which premiums are offered by the society shall be published in a premium book, newspaper, or handbills at least one (1) month prior to the exhibition.
Article XI
The Awarding Committee, of one or more persons each, shall be appointed by the Board of Directors to examine the different classes of articles offered in competition and award premiums.
Article XII
A report shall annually be made out and forwarded by the President and Secretary to the State Agricultural Society embracing: first, a copy of the printed list of premiums offered and awarded by the Society, together with an abstract of the Treasurer’s report as required by law to be published; second, the statements of competitors, for premiums on crops and other improvements, detailing the mode of tillage and other purposes of improving; third, a general account of the proceedings of the Society, the number of its members and prospects of its progress and improvement; fourth, a statement of the principal crops raised in the county, the average yield per acre, the striking characteristics of the previous seasons, the names of destructive insects that may have injured crops, and other such facts as will tend to give a full view of the state of agriculture in this county.
Article XIII
Any officer, director, or manager who shall absent himself from any three (3) regular monthly meetings in a fiscal year, unless
such absence shall be satisfactorily accounted for, a vacancy may be declared and the Board appoints a person to fill his place.
Article XIV
Amendments may be made to this Constitution or Bylaws by majority vote of the membership voting at the Annual Meeting of the membership of the Society. Amendments to this Constitution or Bylaws may be proposed by:
A) A majority of the Board of Directors at a scheduled meeting voting in favor of placing an amendment on the ballot; or
B) Filing a petition with the Secretary of the Society at least fourteen (14) days prior to the Annual Meeting of the membership of the Society. Said petition must set forth the proposed amendment and be signed by not less than 25 members of the Society.
Article XV
The Annual exhibition shall be held at the Fairgrounds at some period between the 20th day of August and the 1st of November, and the premiums on crops shall be awarded on or before the second Saturday of each November.
Article XVI
The Van Wert County Agricultural Society or any of its members or representatives shall not be liable or held responsible for any accident, injury, death, damage, illness, or any other casualty that may occur on the fairgrounds to any exhibit, concession, entry, individual, group, general public, vehicle, or property at any time during any year. This shall include all renters of space, buildings, grounds, for any purpose during the year.
Article XVII
The Van Wert County Agricultural Society shall conduct its meetings in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.
Article XVIII
Each candidate for the office of director for The Van Wert County Agricultural Society must fulfill the following requirements to file a petition for such office:
A) Purchase a membership certificate for the membership year in which candidate is seeking election.
B) Complete 10 hours of voluntary service to the society, in the fiscal year in which candidate is seeking election.
C) Attend 1 regular monthly board meetings of the society, during the fiscal year in which candidate is seeking election.
D) State on petition the specific board position for which candidate is seeking election.
E) Collect ten (10) or more signatures from members of the society, from the area for which board position represents.
F) In the case that the ten required signatures from members of the Society from the area for which the board position represents, cannot be obtained due to circumstances such as a pandemic or other like causes, then the required number of signatures is changed to twenty of the membership as a whole. The requirement to limit it to the area being represented is waived for that election cycle only.
Any candidate not fulfilling the above listed requirements shall be ineligible for election as director. Items B and C, above, will become effective for candidates seeking election for the 2022 election and each election thereafter.
Article XIX
The Board may remove any director if: (a) The Director has failed to fulfill their duties during the annual fair without sufficient excuse or cause; or (b) The Director has failed to donate fifty hours of time minimum throughout the year, not including committee and departmental responsibilities, nor from four (4) days prior to and through the last day of the fair, and without sufficient excuse or cause; or (c) By order of a court, the Director has been found to be of unsound mind; or (d) By order of a court, the Director has been convicted of a felony; or (e) By order of a court, the Director has been convicted of theft; or (f) By order of a court, the Director has been convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude; or (g) The Director has engaged in specific actions which cause or tend to cause the Society damage to its property or reputation, or which create potential legal liability on the part of the Society. The Director shall be issued a warning. Upon the second finding of the Executive Board of such conduct by a Board Member in violation, he/she shall appear before the Board of Directors to answer as to why the offending Board Member should not be expelled from the Board. After said hearing, should two-thirds (2/3) of the board vote to expel the offending Board Member, said offending Board Member shall be forthwith expelled and the expelled Board Member’s position shall be filled by appointment.
Article XX
Upon the dissolution of the Society, the Board of Directors, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all the liabilities of the Society, shall dispose of all assets for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall distribute its assets to the federal government, to the State of Ohio, or to a local government for a public purpose. Any assets not so disposed of will be disposed of by the Common Pleas Court of the county in which the principal office of the Society is then located, exclusively for the purposes or to the organization or organizations, as the Court determines, which are organized and operated exclusively for public purposes.
VAN WERT COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY BYLAWS
Entries:
Section 1. All entries must be made in the name of the bona fide owner.
Section 2. Exhibitors must purchase a season ticket or membership or youth certificate before entries will be accepted. Exhibitors aged 8 years and younger may make entries in their own name using a parent or guardian’s season ticket or membership number.
Section 3. Persons from outside Van Wert County will be allowed to compete for premiums, except as otherwise specified, by purchasing a season ticket.
Section 4. No stock shall be entered but for one (1) premium, except in matched teams, pens, sweepstakes, herd, produce of dam, Get of Sire, Flocks, etc, and no entry shall be changed on the day of exhibition, unless the Secretary shall be satisfied that the original entry was made by mistake.
Section 5. Any person making an entry in any class in the name of any other, except the bona fide owner, forfeits all premiums awarded to such person at this fair.
Section 6. Entries may be made through the mail, by sending the Secretary a list of articles or stock to be exhibited, accompanied by the membership certificate or exhibitor ticket number and entry fee. Entry cards will be held in readiness to be delivered to exhibitors when the stock or article is placed on exhibition.
Section 7. No bull shall be allowed to come on the fairgrounds unless ropes or chains or other safe fastenings properly secure him. All other stock must be properly enclosed in pens or stalls and not allowed to run on the fairgrounds. All steers must be de-horned and broke to lead from a safety point of view.
Section 8. Horses must not be hitched to trees or bushes on the fairgrounds.
Section 9. The Board will take every precaution in its power for the safe preservation of stock and articles on exhibition after their arrival and arrangement upon the grounds, but will not be responsible for any loss or damage that may occur. Exhibitors are required to give attention to their articles, and at the close of the fair tend to their removal.
Section 10. The officers will use diligence to avoid accidents and afford protection and will demand the utmost care and attention in the operation of concessions affording amusement, etc, during the fair, but the society will not be liable for any damage by accident or injury that may, unfortunately, occur to any person or for loss of any property.
Section 11. Any protest against the payment of any awarded premiums must be filed in writing by 12 o’clock noon of the last day of the fair with the exception of the Speed Department, where the protest must be made within 30 minutes after Judges’ decision. Each protest must be accompanied by a deposit of $25.00 which will be returned if protest is withdrawn or sustained, and shall be heard and decided by the board, and all premiums not called for by the first day of January after the award will be considered donated to the society.
Section 12. No stock of any kind will be allowed in the ring while the stock is exhibiting, except those entered for premiums.
Section 13. No entries shall be made or premiums awarded to anything exhibited not mentioned in the premium list unless authorized by a majority of the members of the Board in session.
Section 14. A judge selected by the Board of Directors will award premiums in each department.
Section 15. Misrepresentation as to breeding and irregularity in showing will be exposed and any premiums won by such exhibitor will be withheld.
Section 16. If receipts are grossly inadequate or insufficient to pay the expenses and premiums in full, the directors shall prorate the payment of premiums, but the amount of premiums paid shall not be less than fifty percent of the amount awarded.
Election of Directors:
Section 17. A committee of three (3), appointed by the President, shall prepare the ballot with names of candidates for directors. Said committee shall be composed of directors, representative residents of any township, village, or city, for which a director is to be elected, possessor of a membership certificate, have a name placed on the ticket by presenting same to the Secretary by 6:00pm, Monday, August 29, 2022, one day before the fair begins. Only regularly nominated candidates, who have met the filing requirements, will be eligible for election as a director. A director seeking reelection, a member seeking election as a director, or a person assisting a
candidate for election/reelection may not use the society funds, facilities, or employees to:
A) Promote the candidacy of any person who seeks election/reelection to the Board of Directors of the Society, or
B) Solicit during the election process on the behalf of any candidate for election/reelection, or
C) Influence the votes of members upon any amendment to the Constitution or Bylaws of the Society.
Superintendent of Gates and Gatemen:
Section 18. The President shall appoint each year two (2) members of the Board of Directors whose duty it shall be to select gatekeepers and have supervision of the same, subject to the advice of the President or direct orders of the Board of Directors.
INSPECTION AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS OF LIVESTOCK EXHIBITED IN OHIO
901:1-18-01 Chapter’s Application
A) Animals listed in this chapter when moved or imported into Ohio for exhibition purposes only shall comply with the requirements of this chapter and when in compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall, with the exception of rules governing movement and importation of quarantined animals, be exempt from any other rules governing movement within or importation into Ohio.
B) Animals moved within or imported into Ohio for any purpose in addition to exhibition shall meet all movement and import requirements of Chapter 901:1-17 of the Administrative Code.
Rule Amplifies: ORC 941.10
901:1-18-02 Definitions
As used in this chapter:
A) “Exhibition” means any public show of animals which is sponsored by or under the control of an Ohio county or independent agricultural society organized under chapter 1711. of the revised ”Certificate of veterinary inspection” means a form from the state of origin which has been issued and completed by a licensed and accredited veterinarian attesting to the health status and identification of an animal listed thereon.
B) “Approved veterinarian” means any licensed and accredited veterinarian approved by the Ohio department of agriculture, or an employee of the Ohio department of agriculture or the United States department of agriculture, animal plant health inspection service, or veterinary services.
C) “Licensed and accredited veterinarian” means a person who is licensed by the state of Ohio to practice veterinary medicine and who is certified by the United States department of agriculture, animal plant health inspection service, veterinary services, to be an accredited veterinarian.
D) “Residue” means any poisonous or deleterious pesticide governed by 40 C.F.R. 180, any poisonous or deleterious substance governed by 21 C.F.R. 109.6, or any other substance governed by 21 C.F.R. 556.
E) “Contagious or infectious disease” means any disease, including any foreign animal disease, or vector, capable of transmission by any means from a carrier animal to a human or to another animal and includes dangerously contagious or infectious diseases.
F) “Tuberculosis accredited free herd” is one that has passed at least two consecutive annual negative official tests for tuberculosis in accordance with the “Uniform Methods and Rules – Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication”, and has no other evidence of bovine tuberculosis.
Rule Amplifies: ORC 941.10 and ORC 901.19
901:1-18-03 Exhibitions: Sanitation, Inspection and Records
A) Each entity sponsoring an exhibition shall have in attendance an approved veterinarian for the duration of the exhibit.
B) Each entity sponsoring an exhibition shall:
1) Immediately, prior to an exhibition and under the direction of the approved veterinarian, thoroughly clean and disinfect each building, pen, stall, ring or other enclosure in which animals are to be quartered for exhibition;
2) Have the approved veterinarian:
a) Examine the certificate of veterinary inspection when required for an animal brought to the exhibition;
b) Inspect within a reasonable time of arrival each animal brought to the exhibit for symptoms of any infectious or
c) Daily inspect each animal present at the exhibition for symptoms of infectious or contagious disease.
3) Maintain a record for one year from the date of the exhibition of each animal present at the exhibit. The record shall contain the name and address of the owner of each animal and the species and breed of the animal.
4) May order the immediate removal of any animal which in the opinion of the approved veterinarian places other animals at unacceptable risk of disease.
C) An exemption from the requirements of paragraph (B)(1) of this rule may be requested from the department and will be granted when, in the judgment of the department, cleaning and disinfection will serve no purpose. By way of example only, cleaning and disinfection will generally serve no purpose in a newly constructed building that has never been occupied.
Rule Amplifies: ORC 941.10 901:1-18-04 Exhibitors
A) No person shall present for exhibition or exhibit an animal which he knows or has reason to suspect is affected with or has been exposed to a dangerously contagious or infectious disease or residue.
B) The owner or bailee of an animal with symptoms of an infectious or contagious disease shall, when directed by an exhibition official, the approved veterinarian, or an employee of the Ohio department of agriculture, immediately remove the animal from the exhibition premises.
C) Upon request, each person who presents for exhibition or exhibits an animal, shall make available any certificate of veterinary inspection, registration certificates, vaccination certificate, and other documents to exhibition officials, the approved veterinarian or an employee of the Ohio department of agriculture.
D) Each person who presents for exhibition or exhibits an animal for which a certificate of veterinary inspection is required by rules 901:1-18-01 to 901:1-18-11 of the Administrative Code shall forward a copy of the certificate of veterinary inspection to the Ohio department of agriculture’s division of animal health.
Rule Amplifies: ORC 901.72 and ORC 941.10 901:1-18-05 Poultry and Fowl
A) All turkeys, chickens and gamebirds moved within or imported into Ohio for exhibition must:
i) Originate directly from a flock or hatchery which is a participant in the national poultry improvement plan for the eradication of disease and be accompanied by documentary evidence that they meet the requirements of this paragraph; or
ii) Have had a negative test for pullorum/fowl typhoid disease, within ninety days, preceding the opening date of exhibition and be accompanied by documentary evidence that they meet the requirement of this paragraph or;
iii) be tested for pollorum/fowl typhoid disease upon arrival at the exhibition by a tester approved by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and found negative.
B) The rapid whole blood test shall not be used to test turkeys for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (A1) (A2) (A3) of this rule.
Rule Amplifies: ORC 901.72 and ORC 941.10 901:1-18-06 Cattle
A) Cattle moved within Ohio for exhibition:
i) The animals presented for exhibition must show no symptoms or evidence of an infectious or contagious disease.
B) All cattle imported into Ohio for exhibition must: Be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection issued within thirty days preceding the opening date of the exhibition an be identified with official individual identification;
i) Originate from a tuberculosis-accredited free herd, an accredited free state or zone, or a modified accredited advanced state or zone;
ii) If originate from a modified accredited state or zone must comply wit Rule 901:1-17-03 of the Administrative Code;
iii) If originate from an accreditation preparatory or a non-accredited state or zone are prohibited from exhibition;
iv) If from a brucellosis class A state or area/zone must be negative to an official brucellosis test within thirty days of the opening date of the exhibition unless: they are under six months of age, steers, or official vaccinates under twenty months of age (dairy) or twenty four months of age (beef) and
v) If from brucellosis class B or C state area/zone must meet all requirements for pre-entry testing as specified in 9 C.F.R. 78.9 and obtain an Ohio permit prior to movement.
C) Cattle from a brucellosis certified free herd or class free state or area/zone are not required to be brucellosis tested.
Rule Amplifies: ORC 901.72 and ORC 941.10 901:1-18-07 Goats
A) Goats moved within Ohio for exhibition:
i) The animal presented for exhibition must show no symptoms or evidence of an infectious or contagious disease.
ii) All sexually intact animals and any wether eighteen months of age and older must be identified with an official individual identification as defined in rule 901:1-13-04 of the Administrative Code.
B) Goats imported into Ohio for exhibition:
i) Must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection issued within 30 days preceding the opening date of the exhibition and be identified with official identification; and
ii) The animal presented for exhibition must show no symptoms or evidence of an infectious or contagious disease; and
iii) The owner and the veterinarian must attest to the following statement written on the certificate of veterinary inspection “the goats in this shipment are not known to be under any movement restrictions because of scrapie.”
iv) Originate from a tuberculosis accredited free herd as defined in paragraph (G) of rule 901-18-02 of the Administrative Code for bovine tuberculosis eradication; or
v) Originate from a bovine accredited free state or zone, or a bovine modified accredited advanced state or zone; or
vi) Originate from a bovine modified accredited state or zone must comply with Rule 901:1- 17-06 of the Administrative Code.
C) If originate from a bovine accreditation preparatory or a bovine non-accredited state or zone are prohibited from exhibition.
Rule Amplifies: ORC 941.06 and ORC 941.10 901:1-18-08 Horses, Mules and Ponies
A) Horses, mules and ponies moved within Ohio for exhibition:
i) If not under quarantine and if they are free of any signs of a contagious or infectious disease; and
ii) If the animal is twelve months of age or older, the exhibition manager may require that the animal has been tested and classed negative to an official test for equine infectious anemia
B) Horses, mules and ponies moved within Ohio for exhibition:
i) Shall be accompanied by an official certificate of veterinary inspection issued within thirty days of the opening date of the exhibition; and
ii) If the animal is twelve months of age or older, it shall be accompanied by evidence the animal was negative to an official test for equine infectious anemia within twelve months of the opening date of the exhibition; and within twelve months of the opening date of the exhibition.
iii) Upon request by an authorized representative of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the person responsible for each animal must make available a chronological list of dates, places and events attended by this animal within thirty days prior to entry into Ohio.
Rule Amplifies: ORC 941.10 901:1-18-09 Sheep
A) Sheep moved within Ohio for exhibition:
i) The animal presented for exhibition must show no symptoms or evidence of an infectious or contagious disease.
ii) All sexually intact animals and any wether eighteen months of age and older must be identified with an official identification as defined in rule 901:1-13-04 of the Administrative Code.
B) Sheep imported into Ohio for exhibition:
i) Must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection issued within thirty days preceding the exhibition opening date and be identified with official individual identification, and;
ii) The animal presented for exhibition must show no symptoms or evidence of an infectious or contagious disease; and
iii) The owner and the veterinarian must attest to the following statement written on the certificate of veterinary inspection “the sheep in this shipment are not known to be under any movement restrictions because of scrapie.”
Rule Amplifies: ORC 941.10 901:1-18-10 Swine
A) Swine moved within Ohio for exhibition:
i) The animals presented for exhibition must show no symptoms or evidence of an infectious or contagious disease.
ii) Will be exempt from the requirement of a certificate of veterinary inspection if they originate immediately and directly from a pseudo-rabies stage V area.
iii) Swine originating from a pseudo-rabies stage IV area shall:
1) Be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection issued within thirty days preceding the opening date of the exhibition; and
2) Originate from a pseudo-rabies qualified herd; or contagious diseases;
3) Be negative to an official pseudo-rabies test within thirty days of the exhibition
B) Swine imported into Ohio for exhibition:
i) Must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection issued within thirty days preceding the opening date of exhibition; and
ii) Originate immediately and directly from a pseudo-rabies stage V area or from an area or country recognized by the United States department of Agriculture, animal plant health inspection service, veterinary services as pseudo-rabies free; or
iii) Originate immediately and directly from a pseudo-rabies stage IV area; and
C) Be negative to an official pseudo-rabies test within thirty days of the exhibition.
Rule Amplifies: ORC 941.10 901:1-18-11 Camelids
A) Camelids including, but not limited to, llamas, alpacas and vicuanas moved within Ohio for exhibition when presented for exhibition must show no symptoms or evidence of an infectious or contagious disease
B) Camelids including, but not limited to, llamas, alpacas and vicuanas imported into Ohio for exhibition:
i) Must be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection issued within thirty days preceding the opening date of the exhibition and be identified with official individual identification.
ii) When presented for exhibition must show no symptoms or evidence of contagious disease.
Educational Values and Standards of Practice in Livestock Exhibitions
The Educational Values and Standards of Practice in Livestock Exhibition Rules are still a part of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society and even though they are not in this book, they are enforced. A copy of these rules may be obtained by contacting the Van Wert County Fair office, where the rules are maintained.
General Rules ADMISSION
1) The schedule of admission prices for the Van Wert County Fair is as follows:
2) Individual Membership Certificate – $30.00. This certificate is not transferable and will permit only the person whose name appears on its admission to the annual county fair. The membership certificate grants to the holder thereof the right to vote, if a resident of Van Wert County, the privilege of taking a conveyance upon the grounds, to exhibit articles or animals for premiums. Membership certificates can be purchased only at the Van Wert County Fair Office until Monday, August 28, 2023.
3) Season Ticket – $25.00. This ticket is not transferable and will permit the person whose name appears on it admission to the fair.
4) Youth Certificate – $10.00. This certificate is for persons aged 13-17 who participate in the Junior Fair Program. It may also be purchased by persons aged 13-18 who desire to enter an exhibit in the Senior Fair provided their parent or guardian is a membership certificate holder.
5) A Season Ticket CANNOT be exchanged for a Membership Certificate.
6) Any person 13 (thirteen) years of age and older entering the fairgrounds is required to either have a membership certificate, season ticket, youth ticket, or pay single visit gate admission. This applies to exhibitors as well as the general public.
7) The Van Wert County Agricultural Society will not be responsible for loss of ticket by theft, loss, or damage.
8) Any person 12 (twelve) years of age and younger will be admitted free to the grounds. Military personnel in uniform will be admitted free to the grounds. Senior Citizens and Veterans will be admitted free to the grounds on designated days.
9) Any person known to admit others on his or her ticket, or allow others to use it shall be reported to the Society and deprived of one hereafter.
10) No refund will be issued on race events after four (4) races have been completed and beyond one-half hour after the start of any other Grandstand event. Tickets stating NO REFUND are exempt from this rule.
EXHIBITS
1) All entries close on August 20, 2022. See individual departments for on display deadlines. Entries are to remain on exhibit until Tuesday, September 5, 2022 at 8:00am, unless otherwise stated in individual department rules.
2) Any person wishing to exhibit at the Van Wert County Fair must purchase a membership certificate or season ticket, unless otherwise specified in individual department rules. If membership certificate not purchased, daily outside gate admission is charged. Entry in any of the following shows does not require a membership certificate, but daily outside gate admission will be charged: Open to the World Market Lamb Show Open to the World Feeder Calf Show, Van Wert County Open Horse Show and Ryan Trentman Memorial Open Swine Show.
3) Premiums are offered for the best animals in the different classes in order to demonstrate the benefit of good breeding and care Patrons of the fair expect to see exhibits of the highest order. Therefore, animals on exhibition, should be not necessarily fat, but in healthy, thrifty form and well groomed. Animals without quality and/or showing neglect will receive no premium.
4) Persons intending to exhibit registered animals will be required to furnish a pedigree and certificate of transfer, or certificate of registry, properly signed, of the animal exhibited, in order that they may be examined by the Director in Charge and Expert Judge before awards are made.
5) All livestock on exhibit will be the responsibility of the exhibitor.
6) Any person who reserves horse stalls and occupy same and fails to make entries and to show the horse in class will be charged $2.50 per stall per day, unless excused by the member in charge on account of the animal being sick. Stall rental at $2.50 per stall per day to start on Tuesday, previous to the fair, through the last day of the fair.
7) Only First Prize winner in class is eligible to show for Champion. Entries for Champion or Reserve Champion need not be made at the Fair office.
8) On Livestock classes where three or more premiums are offered, no exhibitor can make more than two (2) entries nor can more than two (2) entries be made from the same herd or flock in any such class, with the exception of goats. See rules in Goat Department. All other classes are limited to one (1) entry per exhibitor.
9) No animals or articles on exhibition shall be removed, at any time during the fair without consent of the Director in charge. If it becomes known that removal has been made without consent, no premiums will be given on such removed animals or articles.
10) Junior Fair exhibitors may enter the Senior Fair Classes, but must conform to the open class rules, pay stall rent or pen rental whether animal is kept in Junior Fair or Senior Fair pens or stalls. Exhibitors must have a Youth Certificate before making Senior Fair entries.
11) It is the duty of each member in charge of a department to keep an accurate itemized statement of all allowances to helpers and to file this statement with the Secretary at the close of the fair.
12) All department premiums will be available at the Treasurer’s Office east of the grandstand after judging is completed, and paperwork has been returned to the Fair Office and processed, unless otherwise specified in individual department rules. Note: Photo ID may be required to collect premium. All individuals’ premiums remaining unclaimed at the end of the Van Wert County Fair have until September 25 to claim the prize money or after that date the money will be considered a donation to the fair. Premiums will NOT be available in the Fair Office for pick-up in person, during the fair.
13) The judge or judges’ decision(s) are always final.
14) The Board of Directors of this Society shall reserve the right to reject or accept any or all entries or exhibitors if it is deemed necessary for the benefit of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society. Entries are exhibited at the discretion of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society, which reserves the right to disqualify any entry not conforming to any rule.
EMERGENCY VETERINARIANS
Non-Racehorse Animals:
Dr. John Jones
1825 5th St. | Delphos, OH 45833
419.692.9941
Non-Racehorse vet not on grounds.
Racehorses:
Dr. Jason Kessen
840 Ohio St | Delphos, OH 45833
419.692.5946
Racehorse vet on grounds ONLY during horseracing events.
Individuals needing assistance must contact veterinarian. Fairgrounds not responsible for contacting veterinarians.
FARM MACHINERY EXHIBIT
1) The Van Wert County Agricultural Society urges merchants, agents, and factories dealing in farm implements, farm tractors, and other heavy farm machinery to make an exhibit at the fair. Van Wert County is the garden spot of Northwest Ohio, and our farmers are always alert and interested in the latest and most practical laborsaving machinery.
2) No premiums are offered in the Farm Machinery Department, but the fair encourages the exhibition of such to the fullest extent possible for the benefit not only of the manufacturers and agents, but farmers who delight in studying the merits of the different kinds of farm machinery.
3) Farm Machinery Entries close Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 6:00pm.
CONCESSIONS & PRIVILEGES
1) Concessionaires are bound by the terms of the contracts they sign at the time of securing concessions. In addition, they are liable to strict supervision by the management. The right is reserved to promulgate and enforce whatever rules appear necessary for the regulation of concessions.
2) The abuse of any privilege granted, by extortion, impure or unwholesome food, sale of dishonest goods, untidy appearance of booths, or other acts or practices objectionable to the Van Wert County Agricultural Society will forfeit all rights and privileges without recourse.
3) The sale of alcoholic liquors and games of chance are strictly prohibited. Any person in violation of this rule will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
4) All laws and regulations governing county and independent Agricultural Societies in the State of Ohio and contained in the Revised Code of the State of Ohio will be enforced.
5) Autos and trucks entering grounds carrying supplies for use by stand operators will be charged $10.00 for the week. Delivery vehicles should vacate the midway section of the fairgrounds by 10:00am.
RESTRICTIONS
1) Dogs are not allowed on the fairgrounds during fair week or any other events unless used as a service animal or entered in a dog show. Show dogs are to stay in designated areas. All dogs must be kept on a leash. However, dogs are allowed to be walked on the grounds while no events are taking place as long as they are kept on a leash, friendly, and picked up after.
2) Laser Pointers & Exotic Pets are not permitted on the fairgrounds at any time.
3) Small motorized vehicles, such as (but not limited to) golf carts, 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers, gators, go-carts, or scooters (non-handicap type)are not permitted on the fairgrounds without prior authorization from the Secretary. Wheelchairs and handicap-type carts are permitted.
4) Vehicles including cars, trucks, motorcycles, mopeds, or bicycles, are not allowed in the midway section of the fair while the midway is operating, without the permission of the Director in charge of Fairground Security. This does not apply to emergency or fire vehicles.
5) Advertising materials such as (but not limited to) posters, flyers, or bumper stickers, may not be placed on poles, fences, buildings, or vehicles on the fairgrounds, without prior authorization from the Secretary.
SOLICITORS
1) Solicitors must be courteous and honest in dealing with the public and are absolutely prohibited from influencing subscriptions such as the issue of tickets for the future drawing of gifts, or by the giving away of therewith. All subscription sales must be made strictly upon the merits of the publication.
2) Solicitors in soliciting subscriptions shall confine their operations to the space or booth assigned them by the management of the fair.
3) All soliciting shall be confined to an area not exceeding four (4) feet from space assigned.
4) Political parties and candidates are welcome at the Van Wert County Fair but must adhere to the following rules:
A) No soliciting beyond assigned space.
B) No advertising such as posters, bumper stickers, etc, may be placed on poles, buildings, or vehicles on fairgrounds.
LOST & FOUND/PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM
1) Lost & found is located at the Sheriff’s Office on the grounds, near the main gate (Gate #2).
2) Generally, announcements will not be made on the Public Address System. In the case of an extreme emergency, contact the Sheriff’s Office on the grounds, near the main gate (Gate #2). PA announcements will be made at their discretion.
MISCELLANEOUS
1) The Van Wert County Agricultural Society shall not assume responsibility of any accident, theft, injury, damage, illness, death, or any other casualty that may occur on the fairgrounds to any exhibit, concession, contestant, entry, individual, general public, vehicle, or property, but shall use to the best of its availability all resources of safety and protection in order to safeguard the public.
2) The Board of Directors of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society reserves the right to suspend any rules herein, or take any action it may deem necessary to protect the best interest of the fair, fairgrounds, and the public.
3) All laws and regulations governing County and Independent Agriculture Societies in the State of Ohio and contained in the revised Code of the State of Ohio will be enforced at the Van Wert County Fair.