General Information

Government Type

County

Entity

Weber County

Public Body

Friends of the Fairgrounds Advisory Board

Notice Information

Add Notice to Calendar

Notice Title

June 2024 Minutes

Notice Tags

Recreation

Notice Type(s)

Meeting

Event Start Date & Time

June 20, 2024 12:23 PM

Event End Date & Time

June 20, 2024 12:43 PM

Description/Agenda

Weber County Friends of the Fairgrounds Advisory Board Meeting Thursday, June 20th, 2024 Golden Spike Event Center Conference Room Members Present: Teddy Anderson,, John Beasley, Tiffany Christiansen, Susan Clontz, Tom Close, Lee Dickemore, Korry Green, Sharlan Holmes, Lora Parker, Naomi Brower, Brandon Miles, Connie Robinson Staff Present: Duncan Olsen, Jim Harvey, Gabby Spackman, Emily Scoville, Ashton Wilson, Kimberly Salas, Marty Smith, Todd Farrario Excused Members: Shae Hill Welcome: Chair Connie Robinson opened the meeting and welcomed board members, the meeting came to order at 12:23 pm. Approval of Minutes: Connie Robinson motioned to approve the minutes from the February 15, 2024 and April 25, 2024 meetings. So moved. The motion carried. Weber County Report & Welcome: (Commissioner Harvey) Commissioner Harvey had nothing to report. He welcomed back, Lee Dickemore. Golden Spike Event Center Report: (Duncan Olsen) Duncan Olsen spoke about the Economic Impact Study, reporting that Golden Spike Event Center showed $4.4 Million Dollars in economic impact from January through April of 2024. He added that the goal of gathering this data is to show how important the Golden Spike Event Center is to the community. Duncan continued, noting that horse races just wrapped up and how Golden Spike Event Center is preparing for upcoming summer events. He added that the Varsity Cheer group, an event which normally takes place at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center, is taking place at Golden Spike Event Center, as the Conference Center is being remodeled. Duncan mentioned current projects taking place at Golden Spike Event Center, including new panels being added to the Riding Arena and several landscaping projects. Duncan concluded by adding that the biggest focus right now is getting ready for the Weber County Fair. Weber County Fair Report: (Ashton Wilson) Ashton Wilson spoke about the early release of both the premium book and ticket sales for the Fair, which began at the end of May this year, rather than in June. She continued by highlighting some of the challenges that occurred in working with the marketing company that was hired to support the marketing efforts for the Fair. She noted that the company had misunderstood the expectations and agreements and Weber County has since separated from that company. Ashton noted that Todd Farrario's son, whom operates a marketing company that is already approved to take state contracts, is now helping to keep the marketing goals for the Fair on track. Todd Farrario added that the issue with the previous marketing company that Ashton mentioned was a pretty big deal and something the team learned quite a bit from. Marty Smith then mentioned the fact that the previous marketing company took down the Fair website just 24 hours before tickets went on sale. He continued by saying that the situation was worked out but that the learning lesson was to not allow future marketing companies to have that level of control over our websites. Ashton provided updates on entertainment being booked for the Fair, such as the comedy show that she booked through Wise Guys. She noted that this show usually costs $20,000 and she was able to negotiate the price to $12,000. This comedy show will take place in the Grand Stand, as in previous years. John Beasley asked about wifi coverage for the auction during the Fair, noting that great wifi coverage is important for this event. Marty smith let everyone know that I.T. will be present at an upcoming Fair meeting, in which this request will be addressed. Ashton Wilson added that the Fair will have some new food vendors this year, including acia bowls, gyros, Guatemalan food, fudge and scooters coffee. Ashton noted that RV spaces for the Fair sold out in 9 minutes and 2600 derby tickets as well as 70 bull fight tickets have been sold so far. She noted that the event producer for the derby increased their prices this year which raised ticket prices. Ashton discussed sponsorships for the Fair, noting that the revenue goal has not yet been met and 5 more sponsors are needed so she and Gabby Eisenbarth will be hitting the pavement until this goal is reached. Ashton asked everyone for help in signing up to cover upcoming parades, to promote the Weber County Fair and pass out candy. She added that there is not enough coverage for parades on the 4th of July. She let everyone know that shirts and credentials for the Fair will be handed out at the next meeting, held on July 18th. Todd Farrario asked Ashton if the stage for the Fair has been reserved. Ashton said yes. Commissioner Harvey asked Todd how that stage is holding up. Todd said that that the stage is still doing fine. Committee Discussion: (Chair Connie Robinson) Tom Close began the discussion by mentioning that the last 6 days of the racing season, $400,000 was paid out in purses. He commended the Golden Spike Event Center facilities manager and team for their great job preparing the track. Tom noted that more material was added to the track this year, which improved the riding, resulting in 5 track records set this year. Tom mentioned that the quarter horse association required video analysis in order to verify the times in relation to these records and everything checked out so all 5 track records were grated. Tom discussed the purchase of Wyoming Downs by a person from Kentucky, noting that the new owner plans to continue to support races held at Golden Spike Event Center and will likely add more money for purses in the future. Discussion/Action Items: (Chair Connie Robinson) No one had anything to add. Adjourn: The meeting was ended at 12:43pm. 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
Show in Apple Maps Show in Google Maps

Contact Name

Stacy Skeen

Contact Email

sskeen@co.weber.ut.us

Contact Phone

(801)399-8268

Notice Posting Details

Notice Posted On

June 27, 2024 11:49 AM

Notice Last Edited On

June 27, 2024 11:49 AM

Subscribe by Email

Subscription options will send you alerts regarding future notices posted by this Body.