Union Agricultural Society of Barkhamsted, Colebrook & Hartland
Board Meeting
Wednesday March 4, 2026
Held at the Barkhamsted Community Center
- President Don Stein called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
- In attendance: Don S., Don L., Meg C., Marie G., Willi S., Matt C., Judy D., Tina G.
- Absent: Chris B., Scott D., Sherry C.
- Invited Guests: Dawn & Carl Armbrewster, Ernie Woods
- Don gave the floor to our invited guests to discuss expanding Oxen events in the drawing ring to include a log scoot on Saturday morning and a Kids Class on Sunday morning. The group of oxen teamsters do not need the scales to be in operation. They work together through the season and cooperate to self-identify which class is proper for each team. The group suggested a change in premiums to $100, 90, 80, 70, 60. Further discussion for premium changes to be addressed when the treasurer is available to comment. Motion to expand the oxen events coordinated by the guests in cooperation with the Oxen Superintendents made by Judy D., second Don L. All present were in favor, motion passed.
- Minutes of prior meeting had been emailed to all members on February 7, 2026 and Annual Meeting on March 1, 2026. Motion to accept the minutes was made by Don L., second Marie G.. All present were in favor, motion passed.
- Treasurer Report – None
- Events Committee Report:
- Easter Egg Hunt – Sponsored by the Barkhamsted Rec Dept. the UAS is only responsible to open the gates to the midway and the park for access to the bathroom. Proof of insurance from Town Hall required.
- Camping in the fairgrounds for Riverton Fishing Derby. April 10-12. Limit of 20 overnight campers. Dry camping. One porta let to be supplied. Rules attached. Parking fee for non-campers $5. UAS Insurance rider required.
- Car Show May 16, rain date June 6. Several board members are on the committee, Matt C., Don L., Judy D., Marie G., Meg C. along with a number of car show enthusiasts. Porta lets are ordered. UAS Insurance rider required.
- Christmas in July. UAS to provide parking only. Proof of Insurance from Lions Club required.
- River Day Sept. 25. A combined elementary school day event. UAS to provide bathrooms, trash cans, secretary barn and possibly Barn A for additional shelter. Don S, Matt C. and Meg C. participate. Proof insurance from Elementary School required.
A motion to accept the Calendar of Events presented is made by Will S., second Don L. All present were in favor, motion passed.
- Proposed Events require additional discussion. Judy D proposed a one-day Battle of the Bands. Lions sponsored event. Would need bathrooms open. Charge the public $10 per person. They are looking for grant funding to seed the event. Don S proposed an Economic Development meet and greet. Town sponsored event. Willi suggested charging a fee to events for mowing the grounds. A fee schedule has been discussed but not adopted.
- Status of 501c3 – Don S reports all documents have been filed the fee has been cashed, and now we wait for approval.
- Repairs to the grounds – Secretary office requires a roof this year. Additional repairs to the small shed are suggested, a roof is needed. Trim trees hanging over the shed. Judy inquired about adding electricity to the North Gate signage. Willi suggested solar options. Quotes are needed for the next round of grant requests.
- Meeting Adjourned at 7:20 pm