Fair Board

Our Mission

The Mission of the Cass County Fair is to promote community connection by providing a dynamic platform for agriculture education, family entertainment and fair visitors, and to provide opportunities for youth development in a friendly atmosphere while maintaining their safety, welfare, and health.

About the Fair Board

The Cass County Fair Board is the backbone of our annual fair, working year-round to uphold its rich traditions and create a memorable experience for the community. Made up of passionate volunteers, the board oversees planning, organizes events, and ensures everything runs smoothly—from fairground preparations to coordinating entertainment and exhibits. Their dedication keeps the fair a beloved tradition for generations to come.

Executive Committee Members

President

Dave Bratton
davehorsepwer@gmail.com

Secretary

Sara Johnson
sarajohnson49120@gmail.com

Vice-President

Daryl Kessler
darylkessler@yahoo.com

Exec.  Director

Mike Frushour
mfrush11@yahoo.com

Treasurer

Diane Skibbe
skibbetax@gmail.com

Exec. Director

Jim Teter
j.teter@hotmail.com

Directors

Stephanie Breseman
stephbndr@gmail.com

Neil Bowman
ksm865911@yahoo.com

Rob Carpenter
rcarp21@yahoo.com

Zelda Cloud
zlrjmm@yahoo.com

Brenda Smego
Fair Manager
casscountyfair@gmail.com

Mike Smego
smego5@yahoo.com

Ben Waldschmidt

Rodney Waldschmidt
rwaldschmidt24@gmail.com

Join the Fair Board

Application & Election Process for Fair Board of Directors

Interested in joining the Fair Board?
All prospective board members — including those seeking re-election — are required to fill out a Fair Board Director Application.

Selection Process:

  • All applicants will be interviewed by a Nominating Committee composed of past board members, current board members, and community officials.
  • The committee will ask all applicants the same set of questions and score them accordingly.
  • Based on these evaluations, the committee will create a slate of candidates to present to the Fair Board for approval.
  • The election will take place at the Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 22nd.

💡 This process does not change how elections are conducted. It enhances transparency by giving Fair Association members more information about the candidates and offering applicants a fair opportunity to be included on the ballot.

    Expectations for Cass County Fair Board Members

    To be eligible and serve effectively, Board Members must:

    • Be at least 18 years old as of the current fair
    • Not be a current youth exhibitor
    • Attend monthly board meetings
    • Sign a Code of Conduct form
    • Pass a background check
    • Purchase an Association Membership no later than the November meeting of the current year
    • Have a history of volunteering at the fair (species area, grounds, exhibits, etc.)
    • Participate in committee meetings
    • Serve on at least two active committees
    • Attend at least five work nights before the fair
    • Be available and present during fair week
    • Be willing to work independently if unable to attend work nights
    • Help with non-fair events throughout the year
    • Assist with after-fair cleanup
    • Be ready to help when needed
    • Attend workshops and development events

    2025 Superintendents

    Department
    Baby Animal Barn
    Beef
    Dairy
    Dairy Feeder
    Dog & Cat
    Draft Horse (Youth)
    Draft Horse (Open)
    Goats
    Light Horse
    Poultry
    Rabbit
    Sheep
    Swine
    Superintendent
    Mike Benitzer
    Jeff Peterson
    Randy Bowman
    Vicki Schoetzow
    Brooke Lamb
    Suzanne Suseland
    Sara Heuet
    Karen Wright
    Tim Miller
    Melissa Town
    John Blough
    Kris Sweitzer
    Mackenzie Hartsell

    Superintendent Application Process

    When a superintendent position becomes available, the Cass County Fair Board will work to fill it promptly with a well-qualified individual.

    • Openings will be advertised on the Cass County Fair website, Facebook page, and by word of mouth.
    • Interested applicants must complete an application, including references.
    • A committe, appointed by the Fair Board, will review applications and conduct interviews.
    • Following interviews, the committee will recommend a candidate to the Fair Board.
    • Upon appoval by vote, the candidate will be appointed and notified.

    Superintendents are expected to work collaboratively with the Fair Board and leadership to:

    • Oversee their species, barn area, and related shows
    • Maintain a well-organized and respectful environment
    • Uphold high standards of moral conduct

    If a superintendent’s behavior is found to be inappropriate or unbefitting the role, the Cass County Fair Board reserves the right to remove the individual from their position.

     

    Become a Fair Superintendent. Apply to lead a Department!

    Step up as a Superintendent and lead a fair department with your livestock expertise and passion for education!

     

    • Support and guide exhibitors
    • Manage events and shows
    • Make a lasting impact on the fair experience

    Help Us Keep the Fair Thriving —
    Get Involved Today!