ODA HONORS LOCAL OUTSTANDING FAIR SUPPORTERS

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio (January 16, 2026) – Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Brian Baldridge, and other elected officials addressed delegates from Ohio's 94 county and independent fairs today at the 101st Ohio Fair Managers Association annual convention at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

“Our county and independent fairs are more than annual traditions, they're experiences that our youth never forget that help them gain skills that last a lifetime,” said Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. “They teach those important personal skills like leadership, hard work, responsibility, and much more, while connecting them with the people and values that have shaped Ohio agriculture for generations. Thank you to everyone who has a hand in making our fairs memorable and for investing their time in something that truly means so much to communities across the state." 

Honors were awarded to individuals and organizations for outstanding service to their local fairs. Of this group, nine received the Director’s Award for Innovation and Excellence for their progressive ideas and actions to improve and strengthen their fairs. ODA Director Baldridge presented each winner with a certificate.

"Ohio's 94 county and independent fairs are known as some of the best in the nation and keep agriculture in the public eye while supporting youth leadership development and youth exhibition projects," said Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge. "I am proud to honor these outstanding individuals who have dedicated their lives to supporting their local fair and the many benefits our fairs bring to our communities and the next generation of responsible food producers." 

Recipients of the Director’s Award are indicated in bold below. 

District 1
Bruce Easterday, Attica Independent Fair
Chris Comden, Defiance County Fair
Mike Anderzack, Fulton County Fair
Steve Phipps, Henry County Fair
Matt Plocek, Lucas County Fair
Doris Herringshaw, Wood County Fair

District 2
Allen County Fabrication Team, Allen County Fair
Mark Ruppert, Auglaize County Fair
Mike Fourman, Darke County Fair
Linda Fourman, Darke County Fair
Steve Harpster, Hardin County Fair
Rick Thomas, Logan County Fair
Kevin Wilson, Putnam County Fair

District 3
Pullins Drainage & Excavating, Champaign County Fair
Jay Ward Flax, Clark County Fair
Tri-Health Clinton Memorial Hospital, Clinton County Fair
Greene County Fair Sales Committee, Greene County Fair
Crystal Holthaus, Hamilton County Fair
James Heger, Hamilton County Fair
Ron Erwin (posthumous), Miami County Fair
Lavon Wright, Preble County Fair

District 4
Brad White, Adams County Fair
Roger Barricklow, Brown County Fair
Luke Libbee, Clermont County Fair
The Tissot Family, Highland County Fair
Guy Waugh, Jackson County Fair
David Clary, Ross County Fair

District 5
Susie Stake, Ashland County Fair
Roger Rowlinson, Crawford County Fair
Tim Loris, Erie County Fair
Bob Morgan, Huron County Fair
Dustin Beheler, Knox County Fair
Carolyn Kurtz, Medina County Fair
Jack Kurtz, Medina County Fair
Pam Tucker-Young, Richland County Fair
Bob Graber, Wayne County Fair

District 6
Mike Hoffman, Delaware County Fair
Lloyd Helber, Fairfield County Fair
Diann Helber, Fairfield County Fair
Frank Riegler, Franklin County Fair
Jim Jewell, Franklin County Fair
Urban Tree Project, Franklin County Fair
Lori Herf, Franklin County Fair
Steve May, Morrow County Fair

District 7
The Welch Family, Athens County Fair
Bruce Zimmer, Barlow Independent Fair
Jean Niday, Gallia County Fair
Jay Edwards, Meigs County Fair
Casey Clemens, Morgan County Fair
James McDonald, Muskingum County Fair
Susan McDonald, Muskingum County Fair

District 8
Russ Mehlman, Belmont County Fair
Don's Custom Meats, Carroll County Fair
Hathaway, Inc., Coshocton County Fair
Dr. Scott Pendleton, DVM, Harrison County Fair
Mike Kelly, Jefferson County Fair
Baker & Sons Equipment Co., Monroe County Fair
Nancy Snook, Noble County Fair

District 9
Cindy Black, Columbiana County Fair
Gary Gribbons, Geauga County Fair
Jerry Merhar, Lake County Fair
Frank Paden, Mahoning County Fair
Sharon Eldreth, Portage County Randolph Fair
George Kiko, Stark County Fair
Kelsey Sedlak, Summit County Fair

Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs and the Ohio State Fair support the local economy and help educate the public about the importance of agriculture and the many necessities it provides, including food, clothing, shelter, fuel, and energy. In addition to setting and approving the dates for the independent and county fairs, ODA is responsible for assuring the safety of amusement rides, monitoring livestock shows to ensure honest competition, and coordinating animal health efforts with designated local veterinarians.

For more information on Ohio’s fairs, visit https://www.agri.ohio.gov.