HomeMy WebLinkAboutTourism & Fair Committee - Minutes - 10/12/2023
Minutes of the
Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 4:30 PM
EOC
Members Present: Larry Fickbohm, James Crandall, Jeremy Oswald, Steve Sandstrom, and John
Rautio
Members Absent:
Others Present: Mary D. Motiff, Tourism Director; David Eades, Fair Coordinator
I. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by Fickbohm at 4:30pm.
II. Motion Regarding July 24, 2023, Tourism-Fair Committee Meeting Minutes:
Motion to approve July minutes by Rautio, seconded by Crandall, motion carried.
III. Public Comment: – Limited to 3 minutes per person. – None
IV. Budget Review:
Motiff presented the budget and noted that we are on track with overall expenses and that
there was still some revenue to come in. The budget is in good shape and we will meet
expectations.
V. Discussion and Possible Action on Budget Amendments – Carryover of capital
project and addition of grant funding:
Motion to amend the Tourism Budget for carryover of capital projects from 2022 by
Sandstrom, seconded by Oswald, motion carried.
Motion to amend the Bayfield County Fair budget to include a Compeer Facilities Upgrade
Grant by Sandstrom, second by Oswald, motion carried.
VI. Review of 2023 Fair:
Fickbohm noted he had received several complaints about the Monster Truck show and that
there seemed to be a lack of volunteers. Motiff noted that Monster Trucks would not be
returning to the Fair and that volunteers have been harder to find and that she was looking into
new ways to attract new volunteers.
Motiff presented a comparison of the Fair to past years and noted that we were up in revenue
in several areas. The Fair went very well and there were no major issues.
VII. 2024 Fair Planning:
Discussion on what to have in the grandstand for 2024. Ideas were focused on bull riding, tough
truck competition, lawn mower races, lumberjack show, circus, and music. The committee
agreed that doing something in the grandstand on Thursday was not financially viable. The
annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention is January 7-10, 2024. Motiff, Eades, Crandall
and Fickbohm will attend. Eades and Motiff will keep looking for a bull riding company and
researching ideas before then and reach out to the committee as needed for approval.
There was some discussion on attending the MN Federation of County Fair Convention the
week after the Wisconsin convention.
VIII. Discussion and Possible Action on 2024 Camping Rules:
This was postponed to a future meeting and Eades will bring back a revised version with specific
changes.
IX. Mission and Vision Review:
The committee reviewed the statements and had no changes at this time.
X. Discussion on Increased Access for all Abilities Discussion:
The committee agreed that an accessibility study should be done to see if we can improve the
fairgrounds and buildings to make them more accessible.
XI. Discussion Regarding Fairgrounds as Campground Overflow:
The committee discussed using the fairgrounds as overflow for county campgrounds, specifically
Twin Bear and Delta. If these are full, can they send them to the fairgrounds? Would we need
someone on site and restrooms open? Could we open up camping to groups only as a trial?
Motiff will continue to discuss this with the Forestry Department and how we may work
together.
XII. Buildings and Grounds Update:
Motiff noted that a new sound system was installed. It will deliver improved sound to the
grounds, the grandstand and beer garden. The project came in well under budget.
The existing wooden fencing was power washed to remove old paint and looks way better. The
project will continue in the spring and either a sealer or stain will be applied to protect the
wood.
The guardrail and fencing is being replaced in front of the grandstand to make it safer for
motorsport activities.
The County Highway Department is going to service the tractor and gator over the winter.
Depending on the repairs, a new UTV may be purchased.
The fairgrounds have been winterized and winter storage is underway.
XIII. District 2 WI Association of Fairs Meeting Update:
Eades attended a District meeting of the Wisconsin Association of Fairs. The focus was on
record keeping and requirements for the keeping of animals. Eades will implement a new form
to better maintain the records that we are required to keep.
There was also discussion on how fairs ran the market sale at their fairs. Eades will research the
relationship between the 4-H Market Sale and report back to the committee at a later meeting.
XIV. Tourism Report from Director:
a. Department Goals & Objectives with Activities:
Motiff gave a report on tourism activities. Highlights included a Discover Wisconsin
episode about the Scenic Byway and the continuation of the ARPA photo/video library.
This library will also contain images and video of other Departments in the county to
use on the website.
b. Measurable Data Review including Analytics & Sales Tax:
Motiff presented current sales tax numbers which continue to set records from month
to month.
Motiff reviewed data for visitor information requests. Requests were up 7% from last
year and showed a trend for increased non-motorized activities. The largest increases
were for the county road map, scenic byway and waterfall brochures. Motiff attributes
the National designation for the byway as a contributing factor.
XV. Future Agenda Items and Next Meeting Date:
Market Sale update, Grandstand entertainment and convention update, and camping rules
update. Next meeting date set for January 17, 2024, at 4:30pm in the EOC room of the Annex.
XVI. Adjournment:
Meeting adjourned at 6:30pm by Fickbohm.
Respectfully submitted by:
Mary D. Motiff
Director, Tourism & Fair