The Mower County Fair officially kicked off Tuesday night with a showing of pride.

The fourth annual Pride of Mower County Awards honored local individuals, families and one group who have made a difference in the area.

And though he’s been the one behind the scenes at the fair for many years, Ken Trom is this year’s fair person of the year. The fair board recognized Trom, who also cut the ribbon to kick off the fair, for his years of service and going “above and beyond,” according to John Mueller, president of the Mower County Fair Board. The fair board added that Trom met the requirements for making the fair memorable, educational and entertaining.

“He’s a person that has put on hundreds, if not thousands of these events,” Mueller said.

He said Trom is the humble type of person who would rather give the award to someone else. “He’s so humble, Kenny didn’t want to be that guy, but he is that guy.”

Another staple of the fair, the livestock hall of fame, was awarded to Glenn Medgaarden for his longtime farming practices, 4-H auctioneering and beef cookouts. His picture will be hung in the Crane Pavillion.

Two families received century farm designations, as their farms have passed down through their families for 100 years or more. They are the Witts from Blooming Prairie and the Lunnings from LeRoy. The farm family of the year also went to Smiths from Adams, who have owned the same farm since 1945 and have an extensive family that pitches in.

Outstanding senior volunteers are Ramona and Lloyd Swenson, and outstanding service organization is the Lyle American Legion. Both were awarded for their quantity and quality of volunteer work within the county.