The Cass County Fair enjoyed a successful year according to board secretary Diane Skibbe.

The fair ended the year with an income of $465,178 and expenses of $427,902, which was presented during the fair board’s recent annual meeting.

“It was a good year” Diane Skibbe said, who presented the report showing income over expenses of $37,275.

Fair board President Gail Peterson also commented that it was a good year and that the Agnes Gregarek building was updated with heating and air conditioning this year.

“It’s now generating money for social events,” he said.

He also said that the Cass County fair is new on Facebook and other websites.

Elizabeth Ferry, Michigan State Extension agent, reported that the grandstand was improved this year with the addition of handrails and that part of the horseshow ring was improved with shaded seating. It is planned to install more shaded areas in the future. There was also a facelift done to the sheep barn with new pens and cemented walkways.

The swine barn’s large statue of a hog that was missing its ears has been repaired, Peterson noted.

Ferry also presented improvements made at the Cass County Tractor Pullers area and some new trees were planted and other landscaping done. The fronts on the sheep and dairy barns were also improved with new wash racks installed, she said.

Peterson said improvements have been made to the sound system as well as the installation of WIFI. There are more improvements planned for the 2015 fair, which is Aug. 3-8.

Peterson added there were volunteers out there working during the fair at night for the next day.

“We appreciate everyone’s help,” he said.

Fair Board Member Brian Kuemin said that the Elliott carnival rides set another record for fairgoers.

“They do a good job. They are running a good system and are family owned,” he said.

Patty Dohm, from the  Michigan State University Extension office, reported still exhibits were up this year with a total of 2,413 entries.

Officers re-elected were Gene Deubner, Mike Frushour, Brian Kuemin, Jerry Zachary and Dean Hass.  Ellis Butler and David Bratton were newly elected.

A moment of prayer was said for fair officials who passed, Tim Wallace and, Sophia Hahn.