WAPAKONETA — The 164th Auglaize County Fair kicked off Sunday with the cut of a ribbon, and a recognition of vendors and fair workers who help make the event possible.
Beth Miller, the Ohio State University Extension educator and 4-H youth development coordinator for Auglaize County, was named “Outstanding Fair Supporter of the Year.”
“I certainly appreciate the Fair Board recognizing me,” Miller said. “We have worked very hard with the Fair Board over the years to make sure we have a good relationship, so I think that’s why we’re so successful.”
Miller has lived in Auglaize County since 1989, and has around 30 years of experience in agriculture education. With 4-H, she helps coordinate junior fair projects and other events the club is involved with. She said the fair is the “highlight of what the 4-H program is.”
“It’s just exciting to see what the kids bring to the fair every year,” she said.
Miller added that she enjoys working with kids from the time they are 8 years old up until high school.
“You see that growth and that spark in them,” she said. “I enjoy seeing them develop.”
While her youngest daughter is finishing up her tenure with 4-H, Miller said she plans to be involved for years to come.
“I just love it,” she said. “I’m not ready to give it up.”
Mary Ann Carrig, the Fair Board’s office assistant, was also recognized for her 18 years of service to the board. She said she loves working with the Fair Board, and is only retiring from the position because she’s getting older. Though she’s stepping down as office assistant, she said she plans to stay involved in some capacity.
“I still want to volunteer because I’d miss it too much if I didn’t,” Carrig said.
The last group to be recognized were two longtime vendors at the fair — Riverside Acres Tack Shop and M.K’s Concessions, which specializes in french fries and lemonade. Fair Manager Fred Piehl said these two businesses have been a staple of the fair for many years, and the board wanted to recognize them for their contribution to the fair’s success.
“It’s a great working relationship we have with them, and we need people like them to make this all happen,” Piehl said. “Everyone we recognized today helps make this all possible.”
The Auglaize County Fair will continue through Saturday. For information, visit http://auglaizecountyfair.org.
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