The Berrien County Youth Fair Association wrapped up its operating year with its annual meeting this week, reporting financial and attendance figures and reviewing the activities and achievements of several operating committees that make the Fair happen every August in Berrien Springs.
In a statement, the Fair Board looked back over the year and seemed to suggest the Fair had a ‘good’ year but not a ‘great’ one.
‘The 2024 BCYF theme was “Explore Planet Fair”. The weather was decent with a few days of a little bit of rain. Attendance was 97,430 (down 8,093 from 2023), 1,912 (up 7) exhibitors and 12,235 (down 666) exhibits. “
Fair President Corey Burks summed it up this way: “2024 was an ok year. We saw a little bit of rain, but it wouldn’t be fair without a little rain. Thanks to all the board members, junior board members and volunteers.”
Tyson Lemon, Fair Treasurer, reviewed the 9/30/24 financial statements. Lemon commented that gate admission, concessions and rides were slightly down from last year due to the rain. The Association’s total operating income was $1,831,848 and total operating expenditures were $1,687,824 – an increase in unrestricted assets of $144,024. All obligations have been paid in full. Lemon said the Association remains in sound financial position.
In her report , Fair Manager Karen Klug mentioned the completion of several buildings including the Emergency Services Building, the new Grounds Office, the new building for commercial vendor Weldy Sales & Service, the addition to the Zahrn Memorial Gazebo and the re-front project on Building 36 sponsored by United Federal Credit Union. Klug added that the BCYF hosted many non-fair events throughout the year, including the annual Mom2Mom Sales and dinner fundraiser.
Junior Fair Board President Marissa Freehling spoke about the involvement of the 2024 Junior Fair Board. The nine-member group ranging in age from 15-23 tackled a handful of projects throughout the year, the most notable including visits to Berrien County schools to educate students about becoming a BCYF Exhibitor, hosting a 4th of July fireworks parking fundraiser and two line dance fundraisers; and staffing a
“pass only” lane at Gate 3 during the Fair to aid in traffic flow.
Each year six members of the Board of Directors are elected for a three-year term. Nominated and elected for a three-year term are: Rob Christner of Berrien Springs, Kelsey Griffith of Benton Harbor, Bruce Foster of Berrien Center, Ken Kuespert of Niles, Tom Rossman of Three Oaks and Noreen Soos of Berrien Springs.
The Friend of the Fair award was presented to Teri Freehling and Rob Christner. This award is given annually to those individuals, families, and/or businesses that have gone above and beyond to help with the many activities at the Youth Fair. Freehling was recognized for the many years of dedication and willingness to help the Berrien County Youth Fair in many different departments. Christner was recognized for his hours of work making sure all the new buildings were completed by Fair time, as well as overseeing the buildings & grounds and various committees.
2024-2025 Officers elected:
President, Corey Burks of Berrien Springs
First Vice President, Noreen Soos of Berrien Springs
Second Vice President, Rob Christner of Berrien Springs
Secretary, Karen Klug of Eau Claire
Treasurer, Tyson Lemon of Stevensville
2025 Youth Fair Dates are August 11-16
2025 Theme: Fiesta at the Fair
