Change is in the f ‘air’
SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
Kathy McPherson speaks to the audience Saturday about the hard work put in by all the board members. She said her favorite part of the fair is seeing all the “smiling little faces.”
MARYVILLE, Mo. — Over the course of the Nodaway County Fair, Vince Shelby, Fair Board member, spoke to the crowd several times about the board’s need for new members with imagination and a lot of energy.
On Saturday he asked the crowd if they liked the Nodaway County Fair and if they thought it needed to continue. With the bleachers about half full and many people in chairs in front of the stage, there were several loud affirmative responses and clapping.
“The Nodaway County Fair is put on by a group of volunteers,” Shelby said. “There are a lot of people that have been involved here with the Nodaway County Fair for many years that have put lot of hard work into making sure that we have a fun safe event for the citizens of Nodaway County.”
Taking a minute to introduce the board members, he then zeroed in on one in particular. Shelby explained that there are people on the board considering ending their tenure, one of whom is Kathy McPherson, who has served at least 30 years on the board.
“This is one of my best friends,” he said. “We thought it was very important because of your service and your dedication to the people of this county that we recognize you.”
Shelby reached down and picked up a small piece of etched glass, in recognition of her service to the people of Nodaway County.
“She’s done so much for this fair and the community,” Shelby said. “… I know she’s still going to be coming to the fair and she’s still going to tell us how to do it whether she’s on the board or not.”
McPherson spoke to the crowd, saying that the best part of the fair is all the smiling little faces.
“It has been my pleasure and my honor to come to the fair,” she said. “My children grew up coming to the fair. Now my grandchildren have grown up coming to the fair.
“You guys don’t have any idea how hard these people work. They are truly family. They come together when you need them the most. … You guys are going to do a wonderful job. Keep going and I’m just going to come back and play.”
Shelby said the board takes the month after the fair off, but that anyone interested in serving on the fair board, should feel free to attend a board meeting. The group meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month (except August) in the first floor meeting room in the Nodaway County Administration Center.
“We are extending an invitation to anyone who thinks the Nodaway County Fair Board might be a worthwhile endeavor for them,” he said.
SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
Nodaway County Fair Board members introduce themselves to the audience Saturday on the main stage in Downtown Maryvile.
SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
Freddy the Fair Dog is shown Saturday. He was introduced as an important member of the Nodaway County Fair Board team.
SKYE POURNAZARI/THE FORUM
Vince Shelby, right, presents Kathy McPherson with an award recognizing her 30-plus years on the Nodaway County Fair Board. McPherson is ending her tenure on the board at the end of this fair season.
