June 2, 2025 Minutes

Weld County Fair Board Minutes

June 2, 2025

The Meeting was called to order by President Aaron Helus at 6:00 p.m.

Members Present: Those present were President Aaron Helus, Vice President Landon Cogburn, Treasurer Courtney Smith, and Board Member Tom Bledsoe and Levi Loveland and Board Member Bailey Naibauer and Secretary Isaia Aricayos were absent.

Ex-Officio/Staff Present: Mikayla Gabel, Larry Hooker, Kim Eastwood, and Cheryl Aragon

Special Guests: Cassandra Keller, JD Picket, Luke Arnold

Agenda: The Agenda was approved as presented.

Consent Agenda: The Consent Agenda was approved as presented.

Special Guests/Requests:

  1. Commissioner Ross Report -- nothing to report currently. 
  2. Royalty Update --Madison Miller provided a verbal and written report and noted they are staying busy attending events and promoting Fair.
  3. City of Greeley/Luke Arnold-- Grass Spraying --Luke Arnold was present, and together with J.D. Pickett, Ground Manager at Island Grove Park, discussed needed work to be done to the grassy area in between Stampede and Fair. They discussed the need for aerating and watering and various procedures and equipment. Luke Arnold noted that his company will donate the process for the area near the beef ring to prevent the insect burrowing issues from last year for the animals. He requested a layout of the vendor area in the grass as well. He and the City will stay connected on plans. 

Old Business:

  1. Jr. Fair Board --Vice President Cogburn moved, seconded by Board Member Smith to approve the proposal presented. The motion carried: 5-0 (Aricayos and Naibauer absent)
  2. Working Budget -- The monthly working budget was review by the Board. 
  3. Fair Coordinator Update -- Updates were provided about vendors and campers, as well as contracts, agreements and set-ups with the City.  

Nicole Ley/NSPA Outlaw Truck Pull, was present and discussed this years' events and the split of income. It was noted that alcohol concessions will be set up on both the north and south sides, as well as additional food trucks to accommodate the increase in attendance that is expected. 

Ms. Gabel noted that she is looking for an announcer for livestock shows and took suggestions from the Board about who to call. 

She provided an update on livestreaming shows and them made note about the Fair's on-line store for Fair logo merchandise. 

New Business:

  1. Committee Reports (Board representation assignments drawn from hat annually)
  • Premier Exhibitor – Aaron Helus – nothing new to report. 
  • Carcass Contest – Levi Loveland – working on obtaining sponsorship money currently. 
  • All Around Showmanship – Isaia Aricayos – nothing new to report. 
  • Drug Testing – Courtney Smith –Treasurer Smith noted that exhibitors and animals will be left alone in the ring in terms of testing, but once they leave the ring they are free game. 
  • Education -- Fair Office --Ms. Gabel noted that all is good. 
  • Jr. Livestock Sale – Landon Cogburn – planning going well, looking to purchase storage unit for new backdrop, backdrop will be purchases likely next year, finalizing add-on forms, hog sale photos will be moved earlier this year, photographer has been approved, the committee will review buyer levels for next year; there is room at fair ground for storage unit. 
  • Security, Parking, and Risk Management – Landon Cogburn – Vice Chairman Cogburn noted that additional No Parking signs will be needed. 
  • Royalty – Tom Bledsoe – nothing new to report.
  • Livestock Animal Health – Bailey Naibauer – Discussion ensued about wrist bands. Committee Members will stay on it at Vet Check.  

Announcements/ General Discussion:

  1. Ms. Eastwood reported that a request had come in from Amy Rabe to present the colors and do a National Anthem each day. She advised that the Horse Council voted against this. It was moved by Board Member Bledsoe and seconded by Vice President Cogburn to not allow this during Fair. 
  2. Next Meeting Monday, July 7, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. at the Eaton Country Club due to the Stampede tear down at Island Grove Park. 

Meeting adjourned by Aaron Helus at 7:30 p.m.

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