Fair time for fun; Nancy Finley named Fair Person of the Year
Published 11:02 am Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Nancy Finley cuts the ribbon, opening the 2016 Mower County Fair. Photo by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Austin’s Lacey Root climbs a hill during the mini quad stock race during the Motokazie event Tuesday night. Photo by Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Dale and Elaine Lukes shopping at Farmers Merchandise located inside the Mower County Fair. Photo by Jora Bothun/jora.bothun@austindailyherald.com
Left to right, Ryan Irvin, Isaac Felten, Gregory Crumb and Isaac Swenson enjoy their food at the Mower County Fair. Photo by Jora Bothun/jora.bothun@austindailyherald.com
Food stands open during the opening day at the Mower County Fair. Photo by Jora Bothun/jora.bothun@austindailyherald.com
Rides open on the opening day of the Mower County Fair. Photo by Jora Bothun/jora.bothun@austindailyherald.com
While many fair-goers only see the finished product of food vendors, 4-H exhibits and a carnival of activities during fair week, there’s lot of work that goes into making it all come together.
To kick off the 2016 Mower County Free Fair, Fair Board President John Mueller recognized the Fair Person of the Year and others who help organize the week-long festivities.
“A lot of this is to take a few minutes to recognize the people who help make this come together,” Mueller said.
Nancy Finley, a life-long Austin resident, was named Fair Person of the Year. She worked at Austin Medical Center for 32 years and has been a farm wife for many years.
Over the years, she has worked as a volunteer of the fair to prepare tickets, sponsorship packages and fill out paperwork, among other things.
“Her work and volunteerism really helps us get to this day,” Mueller said.
Finley was grateful to receive the award, although she believes many people could’ve gotten it.
“There’s a lot of people who deserve this,” she said.
The opening ceremony concluded with Finley cutting the official ribbon and final remarks from Mueller.
“I now claim the Mower County Free Fair to be open,” he said.
