General Information

Government Type

County

Entity

Weber County

Public Body

Friends of the Fairgrounds Advisory Board

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

February 2026 Minutes

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

February 19, 2026 12:28 PM

Event End Date & Time

February 19, 2026 01:06 PM

Event Deadline Date & Time

02/16/26 05:00 PM

Description/Agenda

Weber County Friends of the Fairgrounds Advisory Board Meeting Thursday, February 19th, 2026 Golden Spike Event Center Conference Room Members Present: Teddy Anderson, Tom Close, Shae Hill, Sharlan Holmes, Eli Johnson, Lora Parker, Connie Robinson, Monte Stewart, Rob Venderwood, David Widdison Staff Present: Todd Ferrario, Duncan Olsen, Kimberly Salas, Marty Smith, Gabby Spackman, Ashton Wilson Welcome: Chair Connie Robinson opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. The meeting came to order at 12:28 pm. Approval of Minutes: Connie Robinson motioned to approve the minutes from the December 18th, 2025 meeting. So moved. The motion carried. Weber County Report & Welcome: (Chair Connie Robinson) Connie welcomed the group and introduced the newest member, Rob Vanderwood. Connie let everyone know that Korry Green has stepped down because he will be going on a mission. Golden Spike Event Center Report: (Duncan Olsen) Duncan followed Connie's comment regarding Korry's departure from the board by noting the need to recruit additional board members. He then reviewed key highlights from 2025 for the Golden Spike Event Center. These included the return of a cheerleading group, which utilized the new temporary floor in the arena; photos from this event are expected to support future recruitment of athletic groups. He reported that 103 bulls were housed at the facility for the Salt Lake City PBR event, generating strong revenue with minimal impact on operations. The Golden Spike Event Center also hosted the Utah Association of Fairs Annual Convention, with approximately 150 attendees representing 24 fairs. Duncan stated that 2025 operating costs were reduced by $241,503. Total revenue for the year was $2,264,599, including $1,063,894 in event center revenue, $786,000 in concessions, and $414,000 in fair revenue. Visit Ogden reported a total economic impact of $14,366,822 for the local community. Additional statistics included 507 facility days, 296 facility uses, 353 event days, and 237 total events. He noted that although the number of events decreased compared to prior years, overall revenue doubled. Duncan also indicated that capital improvement projects are planned for 2026, including concrete work and building upgrades. He concluded by thanking his managers and noting that Katie Wall and Shawn Thomson, Event Managers, each received scholarships to attend industry conferences in 2026. Weber County Fair Report: (Ashton Wilson) Ashton informed the group that she is working on a large project to acquire canopies for the fair, which will serve the event for several years. She announced that an Ice Age exhibit will be featured, including a life-sized mammoth. She also introduced a new performing group, Power House, a clogging group, and shared a sample video highlighting their high-energy performance and audience engagement. Ashton noted that the Gladius horse show will not take place this year but will be replaced with a similar event. She also confirmed that there will be no concert. New entertainment will include a show called Puppy Pals. She further reported a change from the previous meeting: Bull Fights have been secured for this year, with a contract extending for an additional two years. Returning attractions include Cow Town USA, the Demolition Derby, Magical Celebrations, and the wood carver. Ashton reminded the group that the vendor application deadline is April 24. She also noted that USU Extension/Crops will offer classes during the fair. Regarding the 250 theme, Ashton shared that the new logo will feature a burnt wood frame to create a rustic appearance. Committee Discussion: (Chair Connie Robinson) Connie opened the floor for committee discussion. It was reported that JR Livestock has scheduled tagging dates as follows: steers on April 15, heifers on April 25, and all other categories in May. Rob Vanderwood inquired about adding loping shooters as a fair event, noting their positive reception at West Haven Days. Ashton responded that the group has participated in the fair previously and that she is open to bringing them back. Marty Smith provided a department update, noting an upcoming $4 million project for curling events, managed by Todd Ferrario. The project will include a new concession stand, floor, and cooling system for the ice sheet. He also mentioned a new show coming to the Egyptian Theatre and stated that the theatre, Golden Spike Event Center, and Ice Sheet each host approximately 500-700 events annually. Marty further announced that a new director has been appointed for the Ice Sheet. Todd Ferrario explained that County tourism funds are distributed among departments to support repairs, competitive staffing, and capital improvements. Marty added that the fair's 250 theme is a collaborative effort between Weber County and Ogden City and will be featured at multiple Ogden events. Monte Stewart complimented recent capital improvements at the Golden Spike Event Center, noting a noticeable improvement since his last visit. Shae Hill reported that funds are available in the Friends of the Fairgrounds budget and suggested organizing a fundraiser, such as an A.I.-themed exhibit, to increase funding. Tom Close recommended offering 250-themed merchandise for sale. Marty noted that commemorative belt buckles will be available and agreed that expanding merchandise offerings is a good idea. Marty also clarified that the America 250 flag cannot be flown at the fair due to legal restrictions. However, the Utah, Weber County, and United States flags are permitted. Discussion/Action Items: (Chair Connie Robinson) Regarding Tom Close's suggestion to sell 250-themed merchandise, Marty Smith stated that he will explore the idea and that the group will need to collectively determine the level of funding to allocate toward purchasing items for resale. Old Business/New Business: (Chair Connie Robinson) Nothing to report. Adjourn: The meeting concluded at 1:06pm. Chair Connie Robinson Motioned. So moved. The motion carried.

Notice of Special Accommodations (ADA)

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations (including auxiliary communicative aids and services) during this meeting should notify the Weber County Fair Office at 801-399-8268 at least 24 hours prior to the meeting

Notice of Electronic or Telephone Participation

NA

Meeting Information

Meeting Location

1000 N 1200 W
Ogden, UT 84404
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Contact Name

Stacy Skeen

Contact Email

sskeen@co.weber.ut.us

Contact Phone

(801)399-8268

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

April 09, 2026 04:42 PM

Notice Last Edited On

April 09, 2026 04:42 PM

Deadline Date

February 16, 2026 05:00 PM

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