On November 11, 2023, Van Wert County Rotarians and community members gathered in the Junior Fair Building at the Van Wert County Fairgrounds to participate in Rotary Annual Auction (and tailgate). Earlier this year, the Van Wert County Agricultural Society was selected as recipient of the auction proceeds to construct a large double sided sign with LED displays at the main entrance to the Van Wert County Fairgrounds. Thousands of vehicles pass the Fairgrounds every day along South Washington Street and this sign will help promote the dozens of events that take place on the Fairgrounds throughout the year, advertising to both locals and visitors alike. The OSU Extension Office and 4H groups will also have access to this new sign – helping their organizations reach a wide audience as well.
Hundreds of people joined together to support the Rotary Auction and had a great time with friends bidding on silent and live auctions, 50/50 drawings, games and other activities. The event was held during the OSU VS Michigan State game, which was broadcast on several large TVs, which were also available for auction. Thank you to Bee Gee Realty & Auctioneers for lending their services, facilitating the auctions and keeping the event seamless.
On behalf of the Van Wert County Agricultural Society Board of Directors, we also wish to thank the Van Wert County Rotary Club for selecting our project and raising $25,783.42 towards our signage project. This financial support will allow us to move forward with improving the Fairgrounds and create another avenue of communication with our community and travelers through the area. The Ag Society is partnering with The Baldus Company out of Fort Wayne, Indiana to produce the sign. Baldus has partnered with other Van Wert businesses to produce beautiful signage like the Van Wert Live exterior sign and the sign located at Fountain Park.
Donations are still being accepted to help meet the financial goal to produce this exterior sign. To learn more about the project and the Van Wert County Rotary Club, visit our Rotary Auction page!
Pictured L-R: Ray Thatcher, Office Administrator, Allison Youtsey, Support Staff, Stephanie Boroff, Vice President, Van Wert County Ag. Society, Adam Ries, President Elect, Van Wert Rotary Club and Auction Co-Chair, Kathy McCollow, President, Van Wert Ag. Society, Mark Verville, President, Van Wert Rotary Club, Aaron Anspach, Auction Co-Chair, Terra Bonifas, Treasurer Van Wert Rotary Club, Penny Parrish, Auction Committee, and Mike Poling, Fair Manager, Van Wert County Ag. Society.
