history

history

We're Proud of our Accomplishments...

During the early 1970's, members of the Jefferson Township Civic League thought it would be a good idea for creating better relationships in the township to sponsor an annual community fair.
The first fair was held in July 1971 with D.W. "Bud" Hackett as chairman and Russell Nickel as co-chairman. Selected as secretary was Carolyn Jewell and as treasurer, Comer Haley. It was decided to always hold the event to end on the last Saturday of July. The first four years were three day events. In 1975, an additional day was added for entering displays, Two years later other activities were scheduled for entry day. In 1981 entry day was scheduled for Tuesday, adding one more day to the event. That was also designated as Firemen's Day. Also, the fair was designated as an agricultural fair. Another day was added in 1988, scheduling entry day one day earlier. A slogan, "It Takes a Lot—It Gives More," was adopted in 1977. The fair brought the township residents together to put on an annual event. It gave everyone a sense of unity as they got to work with and to know their neighbors. The fair currently needs about 400 people to volunteer throughout the week. A highlight of the annual events have been the tractor and truck pulls sponsored for 30+ years by Northwest Truck and Tractor Pulling Association. For several years garden tractor pulls, promoted by Lake Erie Garden Pullers Association, have also been enjoyed by many people.
We have also had many people give many years of service to the fair. These include:
D.W. Hackett, chairman from 1971 to 1990;

James McCullough, chairman from 1991 to 2005;

Russell Nickel, co-chairman from 1971 to 2003;

Comer Haley, treasurer from 1971 to 1980;

Barbara McWilliams, treasurer from 1981 to present;

Caroline Jewell, secretary from 1971 to 1984;

Nancy Jewell, secretary from 1981 to present.

For the past 35 years, Jim & Audrey McCullough have put in their time at the Jefferson Township Fair, with Jim being chairman, and Audrey as Co-Chairman, this husband and wife team have decided to pass the torch. They have always been involved with the Jefferson Township Fair since its humble start in 1971. In the beginning, they operated the french fry stand, and did other activities. The Jefferson Township Fair Board & Jefferson Township residents thank Jim & Audrey for their hard work and dedication over the past 37 years. This past year the torch was passed to six, young adults. Jim & Audrey are still present at all board meetings, and are advisors for the new fair board directors. We wish all of the new board members the best of luck, and congratulations on their positions.

The new board is comprised of;
Charlie McKnight, Chairman/President;
Jessica Rhodes, Co-Chairman;
Mark Hackett, Co-Chairman;
Matt Hackett, Co-Chairman;
Sherri Newark, Co-Chairman; &
Eric Watson, Co-Chairman.

There is a little bit of history behind the new fair board also. Charlie's grandfather Russ Nickel, was part of the founding committee in 1971, and Co-Chairman from 1971-2003. Charlie also helped with the Children's Day Pedal Pull when he was younger, and was a Volunteer for the past 4 years in the Exhibits, Hot Sausage & French Fry Stands, as well as other miscellaneous activities.;

Jessica has worked in the Hot Sausage stand for many years, with her mother Vicki Rhodes, who has operated the stand for a number of years.; Mark & Matt Hackett, a tag-team of brothers, who have been around the fair, performing different tasks with the track preparation, and any other excavation that needed to be done.

The Hackett brothers are the grandsons of "Bud" Hackett, the founder of the Jefferson Township Fair. Also, Mark & Matt's aunt Barb is the Fair Treasurer.;

Sherri Newark is the niece of Jim & Audrey McCullough, Sherri has participated in numerous activities around the fair, and also assists with the Children's Day Activities.;

Eric Watson is our track attendant. Eric's mother and father Dave & Brenda Watson, provide all of the equipment needed for the track preparations. We would like to thank Watson's of Hermitage for their continued support over the years.

All members of the association give their best of luck to this fine new Board of Directors. We wish them the best of luck in this year, and years to come. The purpose of our fair is to promote agriculture, encourage unity and good fellowship in the community. We are confident that we have done just that.

We believe our fair is getting bigger and better every year. It is an event the township and area residents look forward to each summer.