FREMONT, Ohio – If you’ve ever attended the Sandusky County Fair in Fremont, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Pat Mowry. If you’ve ever roamed those fairgrounds any other day of the year, there’s still a good chance you’ve spotted Mowry.

Mowry not only worked at the fair but she dedicated her life for the fair. She served on the Sandusky County Fair Board for 18 years before retiring three years ago and those in Sandusky miss this workhorse. Mowry started the shuttle service for fairgoers with disabilities, headed the fair’s Department of Farm Products, helped run food stands for the flea markets and gun shows at the fairgrounds.

Thanks to Mowry’s efforts, Sandusky County became one of the first Ohio fairgrounds to institute a winter light display and a beautification project. The fair’s Winter Wonderland Christmas light display has been ranked among the Top 10 in the state.

Mowry’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed as Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, members of the Ohio Department of Agriculture and delegates from Ohio’s 94 county and independent fairs honored Mowry and 39 other fair volunteers from across the state at the 98th Ohio Fair Managers Association’s annual convention in January.

“I nominated her because she’s one heck of a worker,” said present-day Fair Board President Harold Overmyer. “She still helps. She has a great love for our fair.”

Mowry’s passion for the fair stems from a lifetime of involvement. She grew up on a farm and joined 4-H when she was just 8 years old. Her projects included sewing, cooking and showing dairy cattle. She met her husband of 62 years, Charles, at the Sandusky County Fair. Pat and Charles spent much of the past 21 years making the Sandusky County Fair a better place.

“There were not many days Charles and I weren’t at the fairgrounds doing something year-round, but my favorite week was the week of the fair,” Pat said. “To us, it felt like a reward to have it all come together.”

Similarly, Don Williams, of Wauseon, Ohio, lived across the street from the Fulton County Fairgrounds for nearly 50 years and he devoted most of his spare time helping the fair.

Williams officially served on this fair’s Board of Directors for 15 years, but those who know him will attest that he served the fair long before holding this position. It was not uncommon to see Williams mowing the ditches along the fairgrounds property after mowing his own lawn.

Those nominating Williams are quick to point out that he was in charge of all tractor pulls and spearheaded the effort of installing drainage on the infield for the Spangler Arena. When the idea of building a new show barn was brought up, Williams was a large part of the design, planning and drainage work involved. He led the drive to obtain donations to proceed with the build.

“Don is there to answer any questions on the property’s history,” said Fair Board President Ron Rice. “He has a love and pride for the fair and wants it to continue to be a high point in Fulton County for future generations to enjoy.

Other volunteers honored included Cathy Rice (Ashland County Fair), Jason Brinker (Ashtabula), Larry Stalder (Athens), Matt and Lisa Heiser (Attica Independent), Joe Campbell (Barlow Independent), Clifford Collins (Belmont), Joe Sarchione (Carroll), Pat Ledford (Clark), Don Humphrey Jr. (Columbiana), Kate Siefert (Crawford), David Stephan (Cuyahoga), Charles Trinter (Erie), Kristin Nietfeld (Franklin), Don Williams (Fulton), Ronnie Slone (Gallia), Dale Ryan (Geauga), Greene County Youth Activity Fund (Greene), Tony Geraci (Hamilton), Kelly Buchenroth (Hardin), Thomas Carter (Harrison), Donna Dunbar (Henry), Carl Glenn (Jefferson), Sen. Michael Rulli (Mahoning County Canfield Fair), Keller Family (Medina), Jeff Layman (Miami), Dave Huvler (Morrow), Cubbison Family (Muskingum), Mike Skinner (Perry), Charles Breiding (Portage), Rick Buehner (Preble), Steve Miller (Putnam), Chris Kline (Ross), Ron Hoover (Seneca), Jane Campbell (Stark), Diana and John Cochran (Summit), Michelle Kuhlwein (Union), Herbert Berry (Wayne) and Morgart Family (Wood).