Pottawatomie County’s Free Fair unfolds next week and it’s the 84th year for the event. It would be the 85th, except it was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19.
I’m glad to see some events and exhibits returning like the Big Bass tourney which was started last year and returns again this year.
Also, for the first time since COVID-19 caused there to be no fair in 2020, the Children’s Barnyard is returning as is Kids Day on Friday morning.
Of course there are always the livestock judging events, the Commercial booths and the Antique Tractors on display and demonstrations, but there is also the Tractor Pulling contest and the barrel racing competition among others.
In order to have the fair, it takes a lot of people volunteering their time and effort to make it successful. These people reside in Pottawatomie and Lincoln Counties and a list of those with lengthy service was recently provided to me.
Topping the list is Gloria Crosby who has been at it as the OHCE superintendent for 53 years. Not far behind her are John and Janice Grundmann with 42 years each.
The many others include Randy Gilbert, 35 years; Suzanne Gilbert, 32 years; Lynn Moore, 32 years, Lynn Marlow, 32 years; Donna Bennett, 27 years, Jennifer Duncan, 25 years; Gina Rounsaville, 24 years; Tom Terry 24 years; Dustie Baker, 23 years; Paul Simpson, 23 years; Sonya McDaniel, 22 years; Darline Ruyle, 22 years; Leslye Owen, 22 years; Marlene Marlow, 20 years; Josh Grundmann, 20 years; Kevin Marlow and Stormi Marlow, 19 years each; Lois Stanley, 17 years; Laurie Snyder, 15 years; Rene Underwood, 15 years.
Sue Rooker, 14 years, Jasmine Bennett, 13 years; Matt Griffith, 12 years; Mari Shaddox, 10 years; Mary Roberts, 10 years; Dodge Nichols, 10 years; Gary Barnett, 10 years; Annie Jo Gilbert, 10 years.
Also, during the Farmer/ Rancher Appreciate dinner on Thursday evening, several awards will be handed out.
They include: Jared Norman, Cooperator of the year presented by the Konawa Conservation District Achievements in Conservation.
Shawnee Conservation District Achievements in Conservation include: Victoria Nelms, Rising Start Award; Educator of the Year, Trent Boles; Friend of Conservation Award, the late Shawn Fleming; and Cooperator of the Year Award, Rowdy and Stacie Taron, Freedom Cattle 1776.