Preparations for the agricultural fair dominated the meeting, with participants discussing the coordination of various activities and logistics. With 29 confirmed participants and several notable declines, the board focused on ensuring a smooth event. Notable participants include Beth with goats, Sarah Wall from the Chicks and Chaps 4-H Club, and Barbara Wolf of Hedgehog Hill Farm. Ruy Santos is expected to bring eggs, and Jim Nielsen will handle the cow plop event.

Food vendors confirmed so far are the 42nd Brewing Company, Kona Ice South Shore, and Julie Summers’ food truck, with additional vendors still pending. The event will also feature informational tables from the Kingston Garden Club, Board of Health, Conservation Commission, and a new group, Protect Kingston Wildlife, which will provide insights into local traps and poisons.

Efforts to enhance public awareness of the fair included planned email blasts by the recreation commission and strategic use of social media. Despite the absence of printed flyers this year, the importance of visibility on the town’s Facebook page was emphasized. The logistics of vendor setup were also discussed, with plans to mark out vendor placements and ensure adequate manpower for setting up tables and popups. Traffic management was a priority due to past near-miss accidents, with a decision to close off the driveway to direct vendor traffic safely. The locations of restroom facilities and other amenities were also highlighted to ensure smooth event operations.

In an unexpected twist, the meeting turned to wildlife issues, with concerns raised about a fisher cat sighted in a neighborhood. Members shared personal anecdotes of the fisher cat’s predation on small pets, raising fears for local animals’ safety.

Zoning and agricultural compliance were also topics. A property on Elm Street was discussed in relation to a potential deal with the Wildlands Trust, with confusion about its exact ownership and zoning implications. The need for a zoning enforcement officer was reiterated due to unresolved complaints about loose animals, such as goats and chickens, which posed risks to themselves and others. The lack of enforcement of animal-keeping regulations was noted, prompting a discussion on how to better inform residents about these rules.

The meeting also addressed the future of agricultural programs, with ideas for hosting talks on home gardening and chicken care. There was enthusiasm for the possibility of demonstrations, including a light-hearted exchange about bringing a rooster. Planning for these programs was acknowledged as a priority after the fair, with the aim of maintaining community engagement in agricultural education.

The meeting concluded with discussions on potential speakers for future events and the need to develop a list of ideas. An upcoming meeting date was set for October 16th, with members expressing uncertainty about their availability due to cranberry harvesting commitments.