2006 youth fair earns $53,578

Published 5:50 pm Monday, October 30, 2006

By Staff
BERRIEN SPRINGS – More than 100 association members, advisors and guests, lead by President Bruce Foster, gathered Saturday, Oct. 28 on at the annual meeting held at the Youth Memorial Building to recap the Berrien County Youth Fair Association's 2005-06 fiscal year.
The minutes of the 2005 annual meeting were presented and approved. Secretary Karen Klug presented the financial report. She reported the Association's total operating income of $1,216,961.41 and total operating expenditures of $1,163,382.88 providing an operating profit of $53,578.56.
Klug commented that attendance was down, but that there was an increase in rides and concessions. All obligations have been paid in full and the association remains in sound financial position. The financial report was put on file for audit.
Foster shared comments that this past year has been a great year. He added that it has not been without challenges that were solved with the input of the entire board of directors. He again thanked all the volunteers for the contributions they have made throughout the year.
Mark Young, first vice president and chairman of the first ever Berrien Springs Antique Tractor Show, spoke about the success of the three-day "all-color" tractor show that took place in June and July. Young said the fair was "very happy with the first time event that had over 3,500 people in attendance from thirteen states and Canada, with more than 500 antique tractors and implements to view." The fair has decided to make this a bi-annual event, with the next tractor show to be held in the summer of 2008.
Dan Stacey, board member and chairman of the Indoor Expo Complex project committee, gave a brief overview of the progress of the project. The committee has changed direction in the type of structure they would like to build.
Originally it was proposed that they would build a membrane structure building, but now they have partnered with Fiskars Construction to design a hard-sided steel structure with an arena concept. He shared with the association that this facility would have a significant economic impact on our local economy, offering a facility for several types of animal shows, trade shows and banquet facilities.
The board of directors accepted the resignation of Mary Lou Long as a director. Corey Burks of Berrien Springs was nominated and elected to fill the term left available by Long's resignation.
Each year, six members of the board of directors are elected for a three-year term. The following incumbents were nominated and elected for an additional three-year term: Don Byers of Berrien Springs, Chris Carlin of Niles, Bruce Foster of Berrien Center, Tom Gear of Benton Harbor, and Rich Leneway of Niles. Cathy Reifschneider of Stevensville was nominated and elected to fill the other three-year term position.
Retiring board members Mary Lou Long of Watervliet and John Griffith of Benton Harbor were presented with plaques recognizing their dedication to the Youth of Berrien County and to show the Association's appreciation.
Recognition was made for two retiring exhibit/activity superintendents – Jack Frost of Niles in the swine department and David Bauer of Berrien Springs for his years as the fair fire chief.
The Friend of the Fair awards were presented to Norma Sherwood of Niles and the Berrien County Firefighters. This award is given annually to those individuals and/or businesses that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help with the many activities at the Youth Fair.
Five, 20 year-old exhibitors completed their final year of exhibiting at the 2006 Berrien County Youth Fair. The outstanding 20 year-old exhibitor award was presented to Amanda Peters of Sodus.
Selection of this award is based on a point system covering Youth Fair participation and volunteering other than fair week over the last six years of exhibiting. Amanda received a trophy and $300 scholarship award provided by the D. R. Potts Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The second place 20 year-old exhibitor was Jessica Krassow of Niles, who received a $200 scholarship award, and third place 20 year-old exhibitor went to Phylicia Shewmaker Scott of Niles, who received a $100 scholarship award.
Andrew Foster of Niles and Sarah Lund of St. Joseph were recognized as outstanding 20-year-old exhibitors.
Following the annual meeting, the board of directors met to select officers for the 2006-2007 year.
2006-2007 Officers elected: President, Bruce Foster of Berrien Center; First Vice President, Mark Young of Niles; Second Vice President, Chris Carlin of Niles; Secretary, Karen Klug of Eau Claire; Treasurer, Susan Coulston of Niles.
The 2007 Youth Fair Dates are Aug. 13 to Aug.18.