The Jefferson County Fair held a recognition event for the 2024 inductees into its prestigious Hall of Fame: Cindy Jaquith, Paul Majors, the Kiwanis of Jefferson County, and Roger Kylmanen. These honorees have been recognized as having made remarkable contributions to the fair, exemplifying the spirit of dedication, service, and community support that this recognition celebrates.
A recognition event was held to honor the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees on Wednesday, November 20th, at the Jefferson County Fair Park. This event was hosted by Becky Roberts, Fair Park Director and included friends, family, and community members of the honorees.
Roberts shared, “Each of these individuals and organizations has played a vital role in shaping the success of the Jefferson County Fair, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or enhancing the fair experience for all attendees. Their commitment and efforts have left an enduring mark on this cherished event, ensuring its continued growth and tradition.”
The Kiwanis Club of Jefferson has been involved in the fair since its inception. Back in 1988 many club members were involved in the removal of the old grandstand, as well as the construction of the new one. True to the Kiwanis mission statement “to serve the children of the world: one at a time,” the Kiwanis group has offered scholarships to community youth for nearly 45 years. Along with other opportunities, they manage a food booth at the annual Fair (baked potatoes and corn on the cob) and raise money for its scholarship fund with the proceeds. 2024 almost marked the silver anniversary of Take a Kid Fishing Day event hosted annually by the Kiwanis club volunteers and targeted to provide experiences for local youth that make a different and create memories.
Cindy Jaquith has been one of the backbone volunteers of the Jefferson County Fair for nearly three decades. Ironically, as a child she didn’t participate in the Fair or youth organizations that show, but when she was a mother, she connected her children to the fair. Being the logistics queen that she is, she inserted herself in a leadership role to better understand the working of the fair….and never turned back. Her nominator shared that Cindy really likes to be the one behind the scenes and not in front and center. Cindy contributes to the Fair with her heart. She is full of passion for the thousands of youths that have passed through the doors of the Fair for decades. Cindy currently serves as a Fair Superintendent to be an advocate for exhibitors and support the judging process. She is also the coordinator of the Hospitality Tent for the Animal Auction & Youth Celebration event at the Fair.
Paul Majors has been the Whitewater FFA Advisor for nearly 25 years. During that time, he has been volunteering with the Jefferson County Fair in a variety of ways. He genuinely enjoys helping young exhibitors with their projects and supports them with unique training tips and commands for their animals. He has been a tried-and-true volunteer for the Fair and is here in person every day to show support to his members. Paul has a glass half full spirit and will say that he never sees a problem, just an opportunity.
Roger Kylmanen played a major role with the logistics of the infrastructure that a fair involves. Vendor placement, animal care and use of barns was always top on his list. While Roger didn’t have a past with 4-H, he absolutely had a connection to the 4-H families. He was very proud to watch the fair grow over the two decades of his service as the Fair Park Supervisor and continued to do so even after retiring in August 2020. Some of his favorite memories involved how the music scene grew at the fair and he enjoyed the concerts that were held each year. He would also enjoy watching the horse shows and being a part of the growth of them at the Fair Park. “Roger has left an irreplaceable and indelible mark on the Fair and the Fair Park Operations,” stated Roberts. Roger’s wife Daisy accepted the award on his behalf.
The event included a short program, a chance to meet the inductees, and refreshments featuring a gourmet cookies and milk station, chosen as a fair-appropriate treat.
About the Jefferson County Fair: County operated, the Jefferson County Fair is a long-standing tradition that brings together the community to celebrate agriculture, education, and entertainment. Through its Hall of Fame, the fair recognizes individuals and organizations whose contributions have been integral to its success.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Jefferson County Fair.
