ROCHESTER - The Rochester Country Fair took a significant financial hit this year, but still is planning ambitious projects for next year’s fair that could change the layout of the fairgrounds by tackling a variety of maintenance issues and adding more permanent pavilions to the fairgrounds.

A representative from the Rochester Country Fair Board of Directors appeared at the Rochester Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday, Oct. 1 to give an update on the 2018 fair outcome, and preview the planning for next year, which has already begun.

The fair lost around $10,000 this year because it hired performers for Saturday night, and bad weather resulted in low ticket sales. Fair organizers hold six fundraisers for the fair throughout the year, but will likely increase that number to make up the deficit. Tractor pulls came up as a common fundraiser in the presentation to the board, but board members requested the organizers brainstorm more diverse fundraisers as well.

Another financial hardship for fair organizers was the fee for tents, which tripled to $7,000 this year. In response, they proposed collecting donations of funds and materials to construct more permanent pavilions on the fairgrounds, which would not only cut down the price of tents, but might also entice other organizations to use the space throughout the year.

The fair’s planners also want to fix electrical issues that the fairgrounds suffer due to disuse, secure some areas with fences, and fix rot on the existing fence and gates. They have approached Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School to have their students complete some of the repairs free of charge.

The Board of Selectmen emphasized that they did not want to be consulted in routine maintenance matters for the fair, but once the country fair subcommittee has discussed the issues further and finalized the more major proposals the selectmen would be happy to discuss the issue further.

The subcommittee planned to continue discussions at a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 2.