The Pocomoke City Fair Board held a work session on August 12, 2025, focusing on horse barn lease agreements, track rules, and ongoing facility maintenance at the fairgrounds.
Lease Updates and Barn Rules
Board members reviewed the city’s current horse barn lease, describing it as outdated and too generic to address specific issues with horse care, emergency contacts, and facility use. Several participants suggested incorporating new rules drafted by the barn secretary, as well as guidance from other racetrack facilities, into either a revised lease or a companion rules document.
Discussion highlighted the need for emergency contact information for each horse to be kept not only on file at City Hall but also posted inside the barn, ensuring quick response in case of fire, loose animals, or veterinary emergencies. Board members also stressed the importance of clearer requirements for daily feeding, watering, and stall maintenance.
A significant debate centered on whether the city should continue leasing individual stalls or consider renting the entire barn to a single trainer, who would then be responsible for subletting stalls and managing care standards. Proponents argued that this model, common at other racehorse facilities, could simplify oversight and reduce city liability. Others raised concerns about maintenance responsibilities and whether the city would allow such subleasing.
Barn Cleanliness and City Responsibility
Mayor Todd Nock and Deputy City Manager Brandy Matthews were cited in the discussion regarding barn conditions during the fair. They noted that tenants are effectively renting “one room in the house” rather than the entire facility, meaning overall upkeep, such as removing cobwebs, falls to the city’s Public Works Department.
The board weighed different cleaning methods, from power washing to commercial vacuuming, and agreed the logistics of moving horses, tack, and feed must be factored into any plan. They also emphasized the need for clearer enforcement mechanisms to address safety hazards, storage of non-horse items, and removal of abandoned property.
Track Maintenance and Stone Dust Delivery
The board also addressed a delivery of stone dust, intended to prepare the track for racing, that was mishandled by the supplier. Two truckloads were dumped on the track the day before the fair races, blocking training and creating frustration among horsemen. The material had to be moved at the last minute, leading to waste and additional cost.
Members agreed the best course would likely be to return the stone dust and avoid the $10,000 expense this year. They also discussed exploring other application methods, such as spreading with a lime truck, and asked city staff to research how much stone dust had been applied in previous years under the former contractor.
Communication with the City
The board noted ongoing confusion about which city official they should coordinate with, since different names have been given at different times. Members requested that a single point of contact be established for efficiency and accountability.
Harness Racing and Community Feedback
Despite challenges, members praised barn manager Stephanie for her first year organizing the harness races. Attendance was estimated at more than 600 people, with full race cards and added attractions such as the mayor’s race. The board noted positive community response and emphasized the importance of early advertising and better coordination with the city for next year.
