Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted address Ohio fairs, honor local outstanding fair supporters
Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge, right, presents a Director’s Award for Innovation and Excellence to Frank Hirsch of Ross County. (Ohio Department of Agriculture photo)
Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Director Brian Baldridge Friday addressed delegates from Ohio's 94 county and independent fairs at the 99th Ohio Fair Managers Association annual convention at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Other special attendees included: Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Ohio Treasurer of State Robert Sprague and Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber.
Honors were awarded to individuals and organizations for outstanding service to their local fairs. Of this group, 10 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. Those chosen for the special honor (denoted by an asterisk on the accompanying list) received plaques.
Local award recipients were:
• Highland County Fair — Bonnie Parr;
• Adams County Fair — Isaac Miley;
• Brown County Fair — Roger Barricklow;
• Clinton County Fair — Air Transport Services Group (ATSG); and
• Ross County Fair — Frank Hirsch (received plaque).
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 helping to assure the safety of amusement rides, for monitoring livestock shows to help assure honest competition, and for coordinating animal health efforts with designated local veterinarians. For more information on Ohio’s fairs, visit https://www.agri.ohio.gov.