Jefferson County fair recognizes veteran grand marshals
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SMITHFIELD -- The 2023 Jefferson County Fair officially began following a ribbon cutting by the fair's grand marshals during the fair's opening ceremony.
This year's grand marshals for the fair were members of the Jefferson County Veterans Association, primarily those associated with the Fort Friendship Veterans Memorial. Fort Friendship, which is adjacent to the fairgrounds, contains a memorial wall and combat vehicles.
Ray Hildebrand, Jefferson County Fair Board president, explained to the ceremony's attendees the reasoning behind selecting the veterans association as the grand marshals, a decision Hildebrand said was unanimous among the fair board.
"I'm very proud to call these gentlemen my friends," Hildebrand said. "I've gotten to know each and every one of them, and it's an honor to know you gentlemen."
Hildebrand said the veterans have been dedicated toward making improvements at Fort Friendship, and he mentioned three veterans who passed away recently and had a major role in the memorial.
Hildebrand referenced the 2023 fair's theme, "Respecting our roots, planting for our future," when he said, "Without these fellas right here, you wouldn't have a future."
Around a dozen veterans gathered at the fair's opening ceremony, during which the veterans raised the U.S. flag as Junior Fair youth organization members posted colors. As the flag was raised, Mayelee Rawson sang the national anthem.
Following the pledge of allegiance, led by Lamont McCoy of the veterans association, Vice Commander John Kaffana introduced the individual veterans associations members present. After each veteran had been recognized by name and military branch, the crowd gave the veterans a standing ovation.
After the ceremony, Kaffana said he is grateful for the collaboration between the Jefferson County Fair Board and the veterans association. Kaffana said the board is "instrumental" in keeping the area around Fort Friendship maintained throughout the year.
"It's good to have their support," said Kaffana, a disabled veteran who served in Southeast Asia.
Hildebrand re-introduced Allison Bell, the 2022 Jefferson County Fair Queen. Bell spoke on her project to convert donated bottle caps into seating benches and her Royalty Booth project in the Junior Fair Board office.
Bell said of these projects, "I wanted to start more traditions for our royalty to keep going other than just going to fairs and representing. I wanted to start something closer to home and something that brings the community together."
Later, Bell announced and crowned the 2023 royalty, composed of King Andrew Wetherell, the son of Duayne and Monica Wetherell; Queen Kaitlynn Merkel, the daughter of Jason and Heather Merkel; king's court member Christian Hoffman, the son of Chris and Corbin Hoffman; queen's court members Corissa Griffith, the daughter of Steve and Melissa Griffith, and Bayleigh Gump, the daughter of Kevin and Faith Gump; Prince Aiden Cooper, the son of David and Kara Cooper; and Princess Clara Hoffman, the daughter of Chris and Corbin Hoffman.
Glory Dami performed "God Bless America" for the crowd, and she would later perform "Crowded Table," a song with lyrics inviting listeners to "take on the world while we're young and able."
Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla Jr. introduced public officials who contributed to organizing the fair. Among those recognized were the county's commissioners, auditor, clerk of courts and judges, as well as the fair board.
Also, Abdalla addressed Junior Fair members, saying, "You young kids, you folks who put in all this time with your ... different activities this week, good luck to you all. I hope it's a great fair week."
Hildebrand formally recognized members of the fair board and other behind-the-scenes contributors. He recognized the late Don Fogle, who did sound engineering for the fair, and Mary Miller, who Hildebrand said had served as a vendor at the fair for over 75 years.
"You've never been to the fair if you didn't see Mary," Hildebrand said. "We're going to miss her."
Debbie Hukill, fair board treasurer, demonstrated the fair's theme by recognizing past and present Junior Fair associates. First, Hukill asked past 4-H and FFA advisors and participants to stand and be recognized.
Addressing those individuals, Hukill said, "You set a lot of the traditions and the goals that we've tried to carry out to this day, and we are going to always be grateful for all the things you did and all the people that you taught."
Next, Hukill asked current 4-H, FFA and independent exhibitor advisors and participants to stand and be recognized, saying, "You're this fair's future, and we are confident that you will make us proud. We've seen it year in and year out, we watch all of you grow up and go on to do great things, and we're so appreciative for all the volunteers that help you do that and your families."
Following the opening ceremony and coronation was the Star Search talent show which saw Jefferson County youth between the ages of 5 and 19 showcase various talents and compete for Best of Show and People's Choice awards.
The fair will open at 8 a.m. and close depending on weather and the crowds from Tuesday until Sunday. In addition to food vendors and rides, the fair will offer scheduled entertainment in its grandstands, including a cheering competition on Tuesday; the Rafter M Rodeo on Wednesday; a Motocross race on Thursday; a home talent truck and modified tractor pull on Friday; and transfer sled antique tractor, farm stock and truck pulls on Saturday. A home talent demolition derby will close out the fair's grandstand's entertainment on Sunday.