Ag society pleased with organization's efforts

Fair was success,

Retzlaff says

BY SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Brown County Agricultural Society officials are pleased with the outcome of the financial statements released last week.

"This year was a phenomenal year for us even though the numbers were a little short," said Ag Society President Renee Retzlaff, "The board felt the year as a whole was successful. We did have some money limits that did not affect the quality of the fair."

The success of the Brown County Fair was very solid this year, and the participation levels were up in every area, according to Retzlaff.

"We just saw solid numbers across the board," said Retzlaff, "We wanted well-rounded entertainment. The people in the area are just starting to catch on to the quality of entertainment at the Brown County Fair."

Despite changing the dates of the Brown County Fair this year, the attendance numbers remained good. The fair competed for attendance with the Nicollet County Fair, the Blue Earth County Fair, Ribfest in Mankato and the Courtland Street Dance.

"There was far more participation (in the fair) and premiums were up about $1,500," said Retzlaff, "And we raised the purse across the board on the demo derby."

The 2000 financial statements showed a $3,279 net loss for the Brown County Fair. Retzlaff said that the same quality entertainment was maintained for 2000. The start-up money for the fair was $7,000 less than in 1999.

The financial statements for 2000 showed combined overall total expenses for the ag society at $92,325 compared to last year's figure of $96,536.

The total net profit for 1999 was $23,142 and the total net loss this year was $2,960, according to the financial report.

"The budget was less for the 2000, but we felt very good about the overall fair," said Retzlaff, "We felt very good about the whole process this year. I think the ag society is heading in a good direction."