SIDNEY — Spectators of the popular cheerleading contest at the 2016 Shelby County Fair will get into the grandstand at no charge, thanks to a vote by the Shelby County Agricultural Society during its March meeting.

In addition, cheer squads, who must pay a $35 entry fee, will have the benefit of cheering on mats instead of the ground of the grandstand infield, because the fair board voted to rent the mats at a fee of $500. It is hoped that an increase in the number of squads participating will offset the rental cost.

In other business, society members approved a bid from Tom’s Lawn Care to cut down a tree in front of the Dairy Booster building on the fairgrounds.

The board also discussed the grandstand’s coming down, which was to be complete by April 1, plans for placement of animals pens, the ongoing fundraising campaign for a new grandstand, the Junior Fair budget request and regional meetings scheduled for April 9.