The Custer County Ag Society is moving ahead with several projects and fair related events following discussion during Thursday’s monthly meeting, including approval of a 2026 tractor pull, upgrades to fair camper site website and continued planning for summer events at the fairgrounds.
County Tractor Pull
Board members approved a tractor pull event for July 25, 2026, following discussion about arena preparation, scheduling and costs. Board member, Andy Gibbons said the event would feature farm stock style tractors rather than the larger sanctioned pulls seen in previous years. Gibbons noted that this year’s event will cost “significantly less than previous pulls.”
“It should be a reasonable event right after the parade where everybody’s already in town,” Board Secretary, Desirei Cook said. “So just something else for them to come out to.”
Preparations for County Fair
The board also approved opening camper site reservations for the county fair beginning July 6, 2026 at 7:00pm. Discussions included updates to the campsite pedestals map and plans to add new electrical pedestals before reservations open.
Fair preparations continue to move forward, with nearly all judges have been secured for the 2026 county fair. Custer County Livestock Systems Extension Educator, Troy Walz distributed updated premium books and discussed continued planning for the livestock auction and carcass contest.
The Ag Society also received an update on the annual teen dance held during the county fair. Gary Wright with the Broken Bow Elks Club said attendance remained strong despite concerns about the crowd size.
Wright said proceeds from the dance were enough to fund three scholarships and indicated they are willing to continue organizing the dance for this year’s fair.
Fairground Improvements
Meanwhile, General manager, Clay Hayes updated the board with the clean up work continued throughout the property, including spraying, mowing and preparing facilities for upcoming summer activities.
Infrastructure improvements were another major topic of discussion. Board members discussed replacing deteriorating underground water lines near Building 13 and the former ATM location after repeated leaks.
Gibbons and Hayes explained that the repairs are necessary to support the proposed ice machine installation and maintain water access in that portion of the fairgrounds.
The self service ice machine was a proposal from Logan Girardin during the January Ag Society’s monthly meeting. After discussion during Thursday’s meeting, board members approved moving forward with the ice machine project if total costs remain below $4,000 and if Girardin agrees in writing to split the expense evenly with the Ag Society.
Fairground Events
One of the largest recent events was the fairgrounds barbecue competition, which Board member, Mark Cardoza noted the event drew more than 200 attendees. The event was reported to have generated $7,696 in income with expenses totaling $3,754.58, leaving a net profit of nearly $4,000. Cardoza and Cook mentioned several community members were asking if the event will be next year.
The board unanimously approved next year’s barbecue competition for April 24, 2027.
During the meeting, discussions also highlighted the ongoing sponsorship outreach and thanked businesses supporting the fairground events and advertising signage around the grounds.
Additional conversations included the upcoming demolition derby planned for June 13, 2026. Throughout the discussion it was noted that the Broken Bow FFA chapter is working towards creating the awards for the derby.
Other
Board members also discussed future bylaw revisions aimed at streamlining operations, including reducing the need for multiple signatures on smaller recurring bills.
“We’re not looking to change the structure of the organization by any means,” Board member, Scotti Ross said.
A committee was formed of board members Ross, Client Lambrecht and Shelby Spanel. The committee will review the bylaws and work with legal counsel before presenting recommendations at a future meeting.
Additional discussion included sound system improvements at the grandstands and installation of fiber internet and Wi-Fi service at the 4-H building later this summer.
