Fulton County residents married fifty years or more prior to the 2023 Fair are invited to attend the Fulton County Fair Golden Wedding Party.
Click HERE to nominate yourself or a friend for the longest-married couple!
Fulton County residents married fifty years or more prior to the 2023 Fair are invited to attend the Fulton County Fair Golden Wedding Party.
Click HERE to nominate yourself or a friend for the longest-married couple!
The annual election for Fulton County Fair Board Directors will be held November 13, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the Junior Fair Building at the Fulton County Fairgrounds.
The terms of the following board directors will expire in 2021: Neal Callender, Chesterfield Township; Jamie Buehrer, Pike; William Gombash, Fulton Township; Bill Serna, Royalton Township; Max Nofziger, Member-at-Large. Candidates running for a Board position are: Neal Callender, Chesterfield Township; Jamie Buehrer, Pike Township; James Savage, Pike Township; William Gombash, Fulton Township; Duane Gorden, Royalton Township; Jeremy Vaculik, Royalton Township; Max Nofziger, Member-at-Large; Matthew Lumbrezer, Member–at–Large. All terms consist of three (3) years for each director.
Any member of the Fulton County Agricultural Society, 21 years or older wishing to declare candidacy for the office of director may do so by filing with the secretary a petition signed by ten or more members of the Society. Petitions must be filed by November 5, 2021. Anyone wishing more information may call Board Secretary at 419-335-6006.
To vote, one must be a member of the Fulton County Agricultural Society, reside in Fulton County and be 18 years of age by the date of the election. The annual membership fee is paid to the secretary. Memberships may be obtained until October 29, 2021 at 4 PM from Board Secretary.
Other directors of the Fulton County Fair Board are Tracy Bentley, Gorham Township; Phil Herring, Dover Township; Ronald Rice, German Township; John Vershum, Amboy Township; Dennis Wyse, Member-at- Large; Ronald Holdeman, Swan Creek Township; John Lovejoy, Franklin Township; Steve Richer, Clinton Township; Steve Aeschliman, York Township; Scott Smallman, Member-at-Large.
Updates and changes over the past year.
The Fulton County Fair Board is looking forward to welcoming Fairgoers back to the Top of Ohio Fairgrounds for the 164th Fulton County Fair. The last year has had its challenges and amid the pandemic, shortages, and working remotely for some, things look different than they did 2 years ago. The Fairgrounds has also experienced changes, some to be celebrated and some that were unexpected.
Thanks to supporters and the Fair’s financial stewardship, a new administrative office was built just north of the grandstands were a merchant barn once stood. The new office houses the new ticket office and Fulton Hall which is large community area complete with restrooms and a kitchenette. “The plans to build the new office were already rolling before covid hit,” stated Dennis Wyse, Fulton County Fairboard President. “We were bumping into each other in the old office, and while it served its purpose for a time, as we grow, we need to spread things out, plus the new office has a hall that can be rented throughout the year. We frequently receive calls from people looking to rent a smaller facility; the Fulton Hall serves this need in the community.”
The former Fair office will be used for vendors and merchants during Fair and organizations such as the National Threshers and Midwest Geo Bash will be able to rent the office for their use during their events.
The other advantage is a new, more accessible ticket office. If you’ve ever stood in the ticket or donut line, you understand the congestion under the grandstands, having the new location allows for better traffic flow.
The merchant barn previously in the new office location was moved just north of the Osthimer Horse Arena. As the Fair experiences growth in horse projects and hosts more horse shows throughout the year, the repurposed barn will save the Fair money. Over the last several years, the Fair has had to rent a tent for horses. The repurposed barn will save this rental cost.
In February 2021, the snowstorm that swept across Fulton County collapsed a large section of the swine barn. After a thorough inspection, the building was deemed unsalvageable and had to be torn doen. The Fair is currently working with their insurance company and architects to develop options for a new swine barn. In the meantime, a large tent will be used in 2021 to house the pigs.
Earlier this summer, the leadership of the Fulton County Horseshoe Club notified the Fair that their group had disbanded. Like so many other smaller organizations, they didn’t have the volunteers needed to keep the club going. This leaves a large open area in the north end of the midway. “We’ve tossed around a few options.” said Wyse, “We can use it for a new Arts & Crafts Building, merchants, or other options. Right now, our priority is working on a new swine barn. We’re not ones to rush into things, we want to make sure whatever we do we have the support of the community, and it makes sense for the Fair 5, 10, 20 years from now.”
Another change over the last year has been an increased use of credit cards versus cash. Starting in 2021, the Fair will accept Visa and Mastercard at gate K which is in the southwest corner and gate D which is located on the north corner of the fairgrounds for Fair admission. “We’ve been talking about accepting credit cards at the gates for some years, said Wyse, “the holdup has been more of a technological issue than anything. We wanted to make sure we had a secure, dependable connection to process credit cards at the gates. We’ve brought in a new system that will allow us to provide this service. We’ll start small in 2021 and if all goes well, expand to other gates in 2022. This is something Fairgoers have been asking about for a few years, so we’re glad we can accommodate them.”
With Covid rates going up, the Fair recently met with the Fulton County Health Department for guidance. Based on CDC guidelines and because the Fair is an outdoor event, masking will not be required on the Fairgrounds, this includes the grandstands, tents and buildings. “We want people to come and enjoy themselves.” remarked Wyse, “We realize some people won’t feel comfortable coming to the Fair for health reasons, or perhaps they will come when it’s not as crowded, we understand that. We welcome people to wear a mask at the Fair if they wish. The Fair is about tradition, education, family, and community, so people should experience it in a way that makes them comfortable.”
The 2021 Fulton County Fair runs from Friday, September 3 through Thursday, September 9, at the “Top of Ohio” Fairgrounds, just north of Wauseon on Rt. 108 at Ohio Turnpike Exit 34.
The Easter Lily is bursting with symbolism. For centuries at Easter time, the white lily has been used as decoration in Christian Churches, given as gifts, and adorned in homes.
Known to some as the “white-robed apostles of hope,” white lilies are believed to symbolize the purity and innocence of Christ. The white color signifies peace, hope, and purity.
The fragrant flower emerges from an ugly bulb planted in a ground, which acts as a symbol of the resurrection and new life, just as Jesus emerged from the tomb after his brutal death. The Easter lilies act as a reminder to celebrate this joyful season of renewal and rebirth.
The trumpet shape of the Easter lily also fit into the image of a trumpet sounding the message that Jesus had risen and thus loss becomes a form of rebirth too. Lilies are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
Adding another layer to the lily’s significance is the fact that they are also associated with funeral services. They portray the innocence that has been restored to the soul of the departed.
The Easter lily came to the United States from Japan. Following World War I, a soldier named Louis Houghton brought lily bulbs from Japan back to the U.S., specifically to his home state of Oregon. Houghton gave the lily bulbs to his horticultural friends, and in a short time, the area along the California-Oregon border became the source of this highly sought-after flower.
Today, a small coastal stretch between the Harbor-Brookings and Smith River in Curry County Oregon and California’s Del Norte County, respectively, has come to be known as the “Easter Lily Capital of the World.” It is commonly cited that 95 percent of the entire potted Easter lily market comes from this region.
How to Care for Your Easter Lily According to the Farmer’s Almanac
To keep your potted Easter lily as its best, it prefers a cool daytime temperature of 60° to 65° F. and nighttime temperatures 5 degrees cooler. To keep the flowers from wilting, avoid placing the potted plant in direct sunlight. Most plants will lean toward the sunlight. To keep the plant growing upright, turn the pot every two days.
Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Most Easter lilies are sold commercially in pots covered with decorative foil jackets. Remove the pot from the foil covering every time the plant is watered because no water should be left standing at the bottom of this covering. Once the water has soaked into the soil, return the pot to the foil covering.
Also, to help your potted lily thrive, do not place the pot near a direct source of heat. Lilies thrive in a humid climate, more so than a dry one. To create natural humidity, fill a saucer with small pebbles and water and set beneath the potted lily.
How to Transfer Easter Lilies to the Garden
Your Easter lily plant can be introduced into your flower garden for annual enjoyment. Transplant it outdoors once all danger of frost has passed and when the flower stops blooming.
The plant needs to be in well-drained soil, just as it did when it was potted. To provide the needed drainage, add peat moss and perlite to rich organic soil.
Plant the lily bulbs, roots down, 3” inches beneath the surface of the soil and water. If planting more than one bulb, position them at least 12” inches apart. Cut back the stems once the plant appears dead. This will cause new growth to begin and possibly another bloom this summer. Next year, look for a June or July bloom.
Remember: all lilies are poisonous to both cats and dogs. If you have pets, it’s best to skip keeping lilies in the house. If you must, keep them away from where pets can reach them!
The members of the Fulton County Agricultural Society held the annual election for Fair Board Directors November 14, 2020 with 57 ballots cast. The following Fair Board Directors were re-elected to three-year terms: Ronald Holdeman, Swancreek Township, John Lovejoy, Franklin Township, Steve Richer, Clinton Township, Steve Aeschliman, York Township and Member-At Large, Scott Smallman.
Persons interested in becoming members of the Agricultural Society may do so by contacting the Fair Secretary at 419-335-6006. Members of the Society must be 21 years of age and reside in Fulton County. 2021 Memberships go on sale December 1, 2020 and the deadline for membership sales is October 29, 2021 at 4pm. The deadline to turn in a valid petition is November 5, 2021 at 4pm with elections and the annual meeting being held on November 13, 2021.
The Agricultural Society’s Annual meeting was held immediately following the election. The Board elected Dennis Wyse, President; and John Lovejoy, Vice President. Larry Burkholder, was re-appointed Board Treasurer, April Kuckuck is retained as the Board Secretary. Board meetings will be held January 14, March 4, August 5, and October 7, 2021. Special meeting notices are posted at the office at the fairgrounds or visit our website.
Other Directors of the Fulton County Fair Board are William Gombash – Fulton Township, Jamie Buehrer – Pike Township, Neal Callender – Chesterfield Township, Bill Serna – Royalton Township, Max Nofziger – Member at Large, Tracy Bentley – Gorham Township, Phil Herring – Dover Township, and Ron Rice – German Township, John Vershum – Amboy Township, and Dennis Wyse Member-at-Large.
For additional information and opportunities regarding our Fair Officials and Auxiliary, please visit our Fair Officials page.
The 2021 Fulton County Fair will be held September 3 – Sept 9, 2021.
In addition to a variety of Halloween/Fall Festival activities planned for the Fall Family Campout event. Registered campers will have the opportunity to see our very own Stacy Todd, aka “Duke” from The Van-Dells perform on Saturday, October 17.
Campers will hear songs from Stacy’s repertoire including Margaritaville, If You Could Read My Mind, Fire & Rain, Build Me Up, Buttercup, Come Go With Me, Donna Prima Donna, Corrina Corrina, Travelin’ Man, I’ve Got a Name, Up The Lazy River, Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, In The Still of The Night, Sweet Baby James, You Look Wonderful, Tonight, When I Was Your Man, Eleanor, I’m Yours, Let Her Go and many others.
Visit our Fall Family Campout page for other activities planned. This performance is not open to the general public; all attendees must be registered campers.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Stacy grew up in Delta, and graduated from Delta High School in 1970, and went to Bowling Green State University for a short time, where he learned to play the guitar and started writing songs.
In 1974 he joined The Van-Dells and has been on the road traveling for 46 years. It is the only group he has been in and is still currently a managing partner of The Van-Dells. He plays the straight man, known as Duke, in a 50’s & 60’s high energy show that has tight harmonies, choreography and comedy.
He married his wife Sandy in 1976 and they have raised two children, Kasey (33) and Kyle (28), who are both drummers. He started writing songs as he learned to play the guitar and has been building a library of songs.
In April 2015, his oldest son Kasey convinced him to do a CD of his original material. A Kickstarter promotion raised the money in less than a month to begin recording. “The Highway” is now available to the public. All the songs are written by Stacy Todd and produced by Kasey & Stacy Todd.
He is also doing shows on the side to promote his new CD “The Highway”. In his show he does several covers from artist like James Taylor, Gordon Lightfoot and several oldies favorites from The Van-Dells. Stacy has written a Christmas song titled “That Christmas Feeling” that was released in November 2017 and is now available on ITunes and other online music outlets.
Duke, created and stars in the online show “Songs by the Campfire” in 2018
Hosted by Stageit.com and now Hosts “The Van-Dells Podcast, launched in July of 2020.
Songs in Stacy’s repertoire: Margaritaville, If You Could Read My Mind, Fire & Rain, Build Me Up, Buttercup, Come Go With Me, Donna Prima Donna, Corrina Corrina, Travelin’ Man, I’ve Got a Name, Up The Lazy River, Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, In The Still of The Night, Sweet Baby James, You Look Wonderful, Tonight, When I Was Your Man, Eleanor, I’m Yours, Let Her Go and many others.
Please view the Livestock Sale Catalog for Jr. Fair Participants and their corresponding numbers.
Small Animal Sale: Wednesday, September 8, 6:00 PM – Spangler Arena
Large Animal Sale: Thursday, September 9, 9:00 AM – Spangler Arena