WAPAKONETA — A man who identified himself as a former businessman turned concerned citizen is worried a fee dispute may chase away a local group that uses the Auglaize County Fairgrounds for two events bringing tens of thousands of dollars into the local economy.
Steven Sadler, of Wapakoneta, met with Auglaize County commissioners seeing if they could offer any help to resolve a dispute over fees between the Auglaize County Agricultural Society, which runs the fairgrounds, and Buckeye Farm Antiques.
There is a dispute brewing over the rental agreement for its antique tractor show Memorial Day weekend. Sadler said the fair board wants to charge higher rent and include fees for camping with a minimum night stay, advertising fees, and use of showers.
The matter must be resolved by Feb. 14 to save the show this year. As it is now, BFA likely will move to a nearby county such as Allen County or Shelby County, Sadler said.
“We cannot afford to lose tens of thousands of dollars in this community,” Sadler said.
Commissioners told Sadler he and representatives from BFA need to meet with the fair board to iron out the matter, hopefully before it’s lost for the year.
Commissioners also told Sadler the fair board is its own group and they have elected positions to choose its leaders.
Erica Preston, the county administrator, said she talked to a member of the fair board and was told the rates charged to BFA are the same charged to other groups.
A director for Buckeye Farm Antiques, who was not at the meeting and contacted afterward, declined comment.
