Facing financial challenges, the Montgomery Agricultural Society is holding a public work session Monday, Sept. 21, to talk about the future of the Fair.

In a message shared with 4-H parents and the community, the Fair Board, as the Ag Society is commonly known, is asking for “exhibitors, families, volunteers, community partners, and the public to join us for an important work session focused on the future of the Montgomery County Fair.”

“No idea is off the table,” the message read.

As a discussion starter, the message from the Fair Board mentioned reducing the days or eliminating the full traditional fair in favor of a series of youth events.

The event is a public meeting; the message stated, “Anyone wishing to share an idea with the Fair Board will be given up to 3 minutes to speak.”

According to Lori Page, executive director of the Montgomery County Fair, suggestions at the meeting will be reviewed by the Fair Board at their board meeting. “The Board will then identify ideas that warrant further consideration and evaluate the pros, cons, feasibility, and financial impact of those options.”

The public work session will be Monday, Sept. 21, 6 pm at Calumet Center, 580 Calumet Lane, Dayton. The Fair has also provided a form for input.

Recent Financial Losses and Weather

The 2026 Montgomery County Fair, held July 14-19, faced a “weather trifecta,” according to Page. The week of the fair included multiple days of heat advisories, rainstorms and a windstorm that caused damage to outdoor vendor tents.

Page said in an interview that the Fair Board had worked to cut expenses in 2026, but that the weather caused a significant drop in attendance.

The fair has seen attendance drop significantly in the past four years, Page said. She noted that many fairs in the region are also seeing declining attendance.

In addition to gate admissions, fairs rely on corporate sponsors to support them financially. Page said that sponsorships in 2026 were less than half of what the fair had pre-COVID.

According to financial data provided by the Agricultural Society, the Fairgrounds lost $92,955 in 2026 (this may change slightly as final numbers come in). The Fair and the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, which also records income from building rentals and storage fees, lost $137,038 in 2025.

In a statement to the TWIN CREEK TIMES, Michael B. Colbert, Montgomery County Administrator said:

“Montgomery County has been a strong partner to the Agricultural Society, providing financial and operational support over the years. Since 2021, the county has provided more than $556,000 in annual operating support and funding for projects and improvements.

We value the Montgomery County Fair and the tradition and sense of community it brings to residents each year. We appreciate the work of the Agricultural Society to continue that tradition.

The county evaluates financial support for the fair on an annual basis. As we consider funding decisions, we must balance needs across the county to ensure funding is available to support essential services for our residents.”

© 2026 Twin Creek Times