14:08The most pressing topic at the meeting centered around revitalizing the Bradford County Fairgrounds. A collective aspiration emerged to restore the fairgrounds to its former vibrancy, harkening back to the “days of old.” The acquisition of the fairgrounds by the county sparked discussions on utilizing the space more effectively, not just during the fair’s ten-day run. This sentiment was echoed by several community members who underscored the importance of community involvement and year-round activities. They lamented the decline of the fair over recent years, with one individual noting, “We have watched it slip away for the last four to five six years.”

23:53A significant part of the discussion revolved around the need for specific facilities like a horse arena, which could attract more participants and events. One speaker emphasized, “Not a club, but the horse arena,” highlighting the necessity of such infrastructure to revitalize the fairgrounds. The potential for cultural activities and increased community accountability was also a topic of interest, with multiple speakers advocating for a more inclusive and engaging space.

08:40Pam from the chamber of commerce illustrated the need for larger events, arguing that the community had “outgrown downtown” and that the fairgrounds could attract more visitors with robust activities.

32:25The meeting also addressed the formation of an executive board to streamline the fairgrounds’ revitalization efforts. A motion was made to elect an executive board for a short three-month term to facilitate immediate progress, ultimately passing despite some contention favoring a six-month term. Leadership roles such as vice president, treasurer, and secretary were discussed, with several nominations and subsequent voting taking place to fill these positions. Some members expressed concerns over the outdated charter, suggesting it be rewritten to better suit current needs, although this would be a lengthy process.

01:04:26The planning of the Fourth of July event, named “Stark Spangled Splash Bash,” was another significant agenda item. With last year’s attendance exceeding 8,000, the expectation for this year’s event was around 10,000. However, logistical challenges, including hiring security and paramedics, led to a proposal to potentially condense the event to a single day and consider a new location if necessary. A representative responsible for the event expressed readiness to adapt plans but stressed the need for council clarity to proceed. They noted, “If we want to push off until you know and then make it a one-day event offsite, I’m good with that one.”

01:10:15Concerns about funding and vendor participation were also discussed. While last year’s expenses were covered out of pocket, this year saw sponsorships, including a $10,000 contribution from the city of Stark for fireworks. The representative assured the council that no county funds were being spent, stating, “I’m not spending a dime of county money.” Vendor fees were debated, with discussions on whether payments should go to the county or another entity, and how agreements would be managed from a liability standpoint.

Despite these challenges, there was a unanimous motion to proceed with planning the event, with a requirement for more detailed information at the next meeting regarding vendor participation and logistics. The meeting concluded with decisions on scheduling future council meetings and expressing appreciation for community efforts.