Mercer County Fair Inc

Mercer County Fair Inc is a nonprofit organization primarily involved in managing the annual Mercer County Fair. The organization's structure and mission vary depending on its location, as multiple U.S. counties are named Mercer County. Here, we focus on the Mercer County Fair Inc in Ohio.

History

The first Mercer County Fair in Ohio was held in 1852 as a one-day event. The fair was reorganized in 1868, and from that point on, it has been considered an annual event, although there were years without fairs due to various reasons such as financial difficulties and wartime[1]. The Mercer County Fairgrounds in Ohio operate during August each year, featuring a week-long celebration with events including harness racing[3].

Organization

Mercer County Fair Inc., Ohio, is an independent agricultural society formed under Ohio law. It is governed by a Board of Directors composed of residents of Mercer County, who serve staggered three-year terms. The organization is exempt from income taxes as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization[3].

Functions and Events

• Annual Fair: The Mercer County Fair hosts various agricultural exhibitions, competitions, and entertainment events, including harness racing. It serves as a platform to promote local agricultural practices and products.
• Harness Racing: The fair culminates with harness racing events, where the organization pays race purses to winning horses. Funding for these events is supplemented by the Ohio Fairs Fund[3].
• Community Engagement: Beyond entertainment, the fair aims to educate the public about agriculture and foster community involvement through competitive exhibits and educational programs.

Financial Status

Mercer County Fair Inc. receives financial support from race entry fees and contributions from the Ohio Fairs Fund. The organization's financial management also includes handling race purses and sustaining fees for participants[3].

[1] https://mercercountyohiofair.com/fair-history/ [2] https://mercercountyfair.org/our-history/ [3] https://ohioauditor.gov/Auditsearch/Reports/2021/Mercer_Co_Fairgrounds_2020_19_Mercer_FINAL.pdf [4] https://www.mercercountyfairwv.com/about [5] https://mercercountyfair.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2019-Mercer-County-Fair-Premium-Book.pdf