The Noble County Community Fair is scrambling to fill a gaping hole in its finances after its longtime treasurer allegedly siphoned off more than $360,000. Now, the organizers are turning to the community with a GoFundMe campaign — not to turn a profit, but just to stay afloat.

Officials say the fair will still go ahead next month, but behind the scenes, damage control is in full swing. With unpaid bills and shaken trust, fair leadership is hoping the public steps up to help preserve a beloved tradition.

A Breach of Trust That Cut Deep

When Robin Laymon, the former treasurer of the Noble County Community Fair, was accused of embezzling over $360,000, shock rippled through the Kendallville community.

Laymon allegedly funneled the money into drugs, personal bills, and other expenses over several months. The revelation was gut-wrenching for a small-town institution built on trust and volunteerism.

Just one sentence here.

Fair President Troy Rucker said he and others had no clue what was happening until it was too late. “It blindsided us,” he admitted, shaking his head.

The court records didn’t make it easier to digest. One phrase stood out from Laymon’s confession: “I F**D UP.” Raw, brutal, and deeply personal.

The GoFundMe Plea: Just Trying to Stay Afloat

This isn’t a feel-good fundraiser with stretch goals and fun perks. It’s damage control. The fair’s GoFundMe campaign — asking for $367,000 — is purely about survival.

They’re not trying to expand, renovate, or add new attractions. As Rucker put it plainly, “We’re not looking to profit. We just want to recoup what was stolen.”

That money would’ve paid for everything from contractor fees to logistical expenses. And now?

• They’re facing immediate bills.
• Contractors still need to be paid.
• Trust in financial management has taken a hit.

Despite the scandal, Rucker says this year’s fair will push ahead from July 12 to 19. Cancelling wasn’t even an option. “We desperately don’t want to hurt the kids,” he said, his voice tight. “This is about the community, not the criminals.”

Events Still On, Spirits Still High

You’d think a $360,000 financial disaster might ruin the fair. But in true Indiana fashion, folks are plowing ahead.

Rucker confirmed that the lineup is staying intact — and even sounds kind of epic. Harness racing? Check. Farmer Olympics? Check. Demolition derby and rodeos? Absolutely.

The fair is leaning into what it does best: classic, rural entertainment with a dose of grit and heart.

“It’s always a great time,” Rucker said. “We’ve got some of the best events in Northern Indiana this year.”

And yes, that includes the derby, which tends to draw massive crowds and even bigger cheers.

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Despite the chaos behind the scenes, fairgoers might not notice a thing. The goal, organizers say, is to make sure families still get to eat funnel cakes, ride the Ferris wheel, and make summer memories.

Fixing a Broken System

Fair officials admit the old system was too trusting. Too loose. Too easy for one person to take advantage.

Now? They’ve made some major changes.

• Two signatures are now required on all checks.
• All bank statements are reviewed by multiple people.
• Audit protocols are in the works.

Transparency, accountability — these aren’t just buzzwords anymore. They’re lifelines.

Rucker said they’re also learning on the fly. “We’re doing as much as we can to change things. We have to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

No one likes admitting they got it wrong. But to their credit, the fair board isn’t sweeping this under the rug. They’re owning it, out in the open, with a big red donation button to prove it.

Community Reaction: Shock, Support, and a Bit of Cynicism

Around Kendallville, the reactions have ranged from stunned disbelief to cautious support. For many, the betrayal by someone in such a trusted position has been hard to digest.

Here’s a quick look at how some locals are reacting:

One resident, who didn’t want to be named, said, “It’s hard to believe this happened right under everyone’s noses. But I still donated. The fair’s too important.”

It’s a complicated mix of feelings. There’s anger, yes. But also resilience. The fair isn’t just about livestock and lemonade — it’s tradition, identity, pride.

What Happens Next?

Short term: keep the lights on. Long term? That’s still a work in progress.

The GoFundMe will hopefully patch the immediate financial wound. But rebuilding trust — that’s the real challenge.

One-sentence paragraph here again.

Laymon’s case is still going through the courts, and whether the fair sees any restitution from her is unclear. Meanwhile, the organizers are focused on doing what they can with what they’ve got.

Rucker summed it up this way: “We’re not giving up. The community has always made this fair what it is, and we’re going to keep fighting.”