Fair Board Minutes – January 12th 2026
FALLON COUNTY FAIR BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
Monday, January 12, 2026
I. MEETING ATTENDANCE
Members Present
- Justin Koenigsfeld, Chairperson
- Wendy Wagner
- Gary Irgens
- Dale Butori
Staff Present
- Jennefer Wheeler, Fairgrounds Manager
Members Absent
- Derrick DeHaan, Vice Chairperson
Guests
- David Kirschten
II. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Justin Koenigsfeld called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m.
III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion: Wendy Wagner moved to approve the January 12, 2026 Fair Board Agenda.
Second: Dale Butori
Vote: Motion carried.
- Ayes: 3
- Nays: 0
- Absent: 1
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: Wendy Wagner moved to approve the December 8, 2025 meeting minutes with corrections.
Second: Dale Butori
Vote: Motion carried.
- Ayes: 3
- Nays: 0
- Absent: 1
V. FAIRGROUNDS MANAGER REPORT
Jennefer Wheeler presented a report on events held at the Fairgrounds since the previous meeting.
Cleaning Services
Lisa Passmore submitted a bid for Fair cleaning services for the 2026 Fair.
Motion: Wendy Wagner moved to approve Lisa Passmore’s cleaning bid for Thursday through Wednesday following the Fair.
Second: Dale Butori
Vote: Motion carried.
- Ayes: 3
- Nays: 0
- Absent: 1
Sound System
Curt reported that, after completing current school and church projects, he will:
- Disconnect the rear speakers.
- Install a delay system to improve sound quality.
He noted that a slight echo will remain because of the building’s size.
Circuit Finals
Jennefer Wheeler reported that she will not attend Circuit Finals because of changes in her personal schedule. The Fair will continue supporting the Hospitality Room, which has already been paid for.
VI. EXTENSION REPORT
David Kirschten, Extension Agent, reported on current Extension activities.
Topics included:
- Recent Joint Livestock Committee meeting.
- Planned discussion of the proposed barn addition during the January 19, 2026 4-H Council meeting.
- Future planning meeting following the Council discussion.
- Recommendation that a larger barn would likely require a second superintendent.
David also announced that January 23, 2026 would be his final day as Extension Agent.
Board members expressed appreciation for his service.
David Kirschten left the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
VII. PUBLIC COMMENT
No public comments were received.
VIII. OLD BUSINESS
Fusion Entertainment
Jennefer Wheeler presented Fusion Entertainment’s proposal for Fair entertainment.
The proposal includes:
- Corn Maze
- Magic Bean
- Wild West Show
- Pedal Tractors
Possible future attraction:
- Old Time Photos
Glass blowing and knife forging were not included.
Motion: Wendy Wagner moved to approve Fusion Entertainment for the 2026 Fair.
Second: Gary Irgens
Vote: Motion carried.
- Ayes: 3
- Nays: 0
- Absent: 1
Night Show
Both performers have been confirmed.
Contracts are pending.
Discussion included the artist “buyout,” which covers hospitality, food, and related expenses managed by the booking agent.
Fourth of July Entertainment
The Board discussed possible cover bands.
Jennefer Wheeler will:
- Contact Ikons of Rock.
- Request additional recommendations from Ward if necessary.
Rodeo Clown
Jennefer Wheeler will contact Greg Simas for recommendations.
Knife Forging Demonstration
Jennefer Wheeler contacted a potential blacksmith from eastern Montana.
After reviewing correspondence, the Board determined there was insufficient interest to pursue the demonstration for 2026.
IX. NEW BUSINESS
PRCA/WPRA Rodeo Planning
Jennefer Wheeler reported that PRCA and WPRA applications and purse documentation must be completed.
Discussion included:
- Competition with Hermiston, Oregon during a one-off rodeo year.
- Proposed purse amounts.
- Liability concerns preventing the return of Wild Horse Racing and Indian Relay Races.
- Scheduling Barrel Racing as the first slack event.
- Decision not to tarp the arena because of its condition.
- Contacting Chuck Graham regarding tractor operations for Breakaway and Barrel Racing.
- Requesting C5’s contract.
Motion: Dale Butori moved to approve a $15,000 purse per event for the 2026 Fair.
Second: Wendy Wagner
Vote: Motion carried.
- Ayes: 3
- Nays: 0
- Absent: 1
Jhett Murphy
Jhett Murphy contacted Jennefer regarding bulldogging steers.
Jennefer will continue locating contacts for roping and breakaway events.
Motion: Wendy Wagner moved to approve Jhett Murphy for the 2026 Fair.
Second: Dale Butori
Vote: Motion carried.
- Ayes: 3
- Nays: 0
- Absent: 1
Montex / Cowboy Channel
Jennefer Wheeler reported ongoing discussions regarding participation.
Ikonic Glass
Jennefer Wheeler presented a proposal from Ikonic Glass.
The Board approved moving forward.
Motion: Dale Butori moved to approve Ikonic Glass for the 2026 Fair.
Second: Gary Irgens
Vote: Motion carried.
- Ayes: 3
- Nays: 0
- Absent: 1
Additional Business
Chairperson Justin Koenigsfeld asked whether there was any additional business.
No additional business was presented.
X. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:17 p.m., Chairperson Justin Koenigsfeld requested a motion to adjourn.
Motion: Wendy Wagner moved to adjourn the meeting.
Second: Dale Butori
Vote: Motion carried.
- Ayes: 3
- Nays: 0
- Absent: 1
XI. NEXT MEETING
Regular Fair Board Meeting
Date: Monday, February 9, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Fair Office
SIGNATURES
Chairman
Justin Koenigsfeld
Attest
Jennefer Wheeler
Fairgrounds Manager
