By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator
The 182nd Annual Seneca County Fair officially kicked off with an opening ceremony in the Educators Building on July 22. Senior Fair Board Vice President, Brian Staib, emceed the event, which highlighted the many individuals, organizations and sponsors that make the fair a success each year. At the top of that list is the Senior Fair Board.
Each year, the Seneca County Fair provides a week of entertainment, community connection, business networking and the opportunity for youth to showcase and practice skills they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. The fair’s impact on the community is only possible because the Senior Fair Board spent the other 51 weeks of the year planning, preparing and investing countless hours into the event. Their work is truly a gift to the community.
“I don’t think most people realize how much work the fair board does. Without the fair board’s efforts and dedication, there would be no fair,” said Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart.
The Senior Fair Board receives invaluable assistance from the Junior Fair Board.
“This is an amazing group of young people,” said Junior Fair Coordinator Emily Gilliland. “Nobody tells me no. They are great chair movers and turkey catchers. They don’t get enough recognition. They just work.”
Gilliland is grateful for the collaboration between the junior and senior fair boards.
“We could not be a great Junior Fair Board without our adult mentors. It’s a great partnership,” she said.
Staib thanked all of the volunteers, sponsors and participants who contributed to the fair, and he recognized Senior Fair Board member, David Hoover, who was chosen as the honorary ribbon cutter. Staib talked about Hoover’s longtime impact on the fair, community and the country as an Army Reservist. He has been active in the Seneca County Fair for 75 years.
“David is our Outstanding Fair Supporter of the Year,” Staib said.
Staib accepted, on behalf of the fair board, proclamations from many elected officials. They included Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, Senator J.D. Vance, State Treasurer Robert Sprague, State Auditor Keith Faber, Congressman Bob Latta and Senator Sherrod Brown.
During the opening ceremony, State Rep. Gary Click, Seneca County Commissioner Anthony Paradiso and Tiffin Mayor Lee Wilkinson praised and thanked everyone who helped make the fair possible. Paradiso recognized the veterans for their service and announced that the freshly painted and renovated Public Safety Building will be open to the public throughout the fair, as will a county tent.
“We’re trying something new this year. We’re having a county tent,” Paradiso said. “Elected officials will be there all week.”