04/16/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On Monday, April 13, 2026, the Northwest Arkansas District Fair Board met in regular session. A quorum of NWADF voting members was in attendance as well as guests representing the Boone County Fair.
One line item on the agenda was a contract between the NWADF and the Boone County Fair to outline all expenses, expectations, and requirements for 2026 by both parties. Previous interactions dating back to May of 2025, outlined the necessity for the Boone County Fair to acquire General Liability Insurance before further events could be held on the premises.
It was brought to the attention of current BCF president, Buddy Hinson, that the BCF was listed as Not in Good Standing with the Arkansas Secretary of State's Office and that matter would need to be corrected. Per guidance from our attorney, an entity cannot enter into a contract with another entity that technically does not exist.
Insurance requirements were discussed at length and no waiver would be given for failure to secure required insurance. Notice was given to Mr. Hinson on February 3, 2026 that a Certificate of Insurance would be required for the spring show to be held in April and the Boone County Fair in the fall. Insurance had not been secured because Mr. Hinson had found out that morning he would need a written contract for use of the premises. Mr. Hinson asked about alternative dates in case they needed to postpone the Spring Livestock Show scheduled for April 17, 2026. An alternative date was provided as May 29, 2026.
Cost for usage of the grounds was also discussed. After consulting with other fairs about their fees, a fee of $1,000 per day would be imposed to rent all areas of the grounds with the exception of the kitchen, NWADF office, and commercial building. The fee will also include all utilities, livestock scales, PA system, printer, ink and paper, dumpster, internet, and other items listed. The fee schedule was also found to be in line with previous financial commitments to the NWADF by the BCF using previously received construction funding. That funding was utilized by BCF to make improvements and repairs at the NWADF grounds in lieu of rent.
It was also discussed that BCF would be responsible for removing all items, debris, trash, and the like from the grounds at the conclusion of their events. The BCF would return the premises to the same condition as existed prior to their event. Failure to do so would required a penalty to be assessed in the amount of $5,000.00.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Boone County Fair Spring Livestock Show was still on the schedule. No changes or cancelations were made by either party. Mr. Hinson would report back with any changes. The barns would be cleaned by NWADF and ready in preparation for their event.
On Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 7:59pm, a text message was sent by Mr. Hinson that stated the following:
"Due to not being able to get insurance in a timely fashion, we are canceling our spring show."
At this time, the Boone County Fair, with dates of September 13-19, 2026, is still on the schedule pending a signed agreement and that a General Liability Insurance policy with a Waiver of Subrogation is obtained by Boone County Fair.
